Obtaining Birth, Marriage Certificates and Apostilles in Illinois

Are you looking to obtain authorized copies of birth certificates or marriage certificates in Illinois? Or perhaps you need to get a state apostille for your documents? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to gather these essential documents and secure state apostilles in Illinois.

How to Obtain Authorized Copies of Birth Certificates in Illinois

To request an authorized copy of a birth certificate in Illinois, follow these steps:

1. Eligibility

• You must be the person named on the certificate, a parent, legal guardian, or a legal representative.
• If you’re not the person named on the certificate, you’ll need to provide additional documentation.

2. Application Form

• Complete the Application for Search of Birth Record Files form from the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

3. Required Information

Provide the following details:

• Full name of the person on the birth certificate
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (city, county, state)
• Mother/co-parent’s maiden name
• Father/co-parent’s name (if applicable)

4. Valid ID

• Include a valid government-issued photo identification (ID) that is not expired.
• If no ID is provided, unreadable, or expired, the request will be returned unprocessed.

5. Fees

• The fee for a certified copy is $10.
• For genealogical copies, the fee is $15.
• Additional copies are $2 each.

6. Submission Options

• Mail your completed form, ID, and payment to:
  Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records 925 E. Ridgely Ave-2737 Springfield, Illinois 62702
• Alternatively, you can order online through the VitalChek Network.

How to Obtain Authorized Copies of Marriage Certificates in Illinois

The process for obtaining an authorized copy of a marriage certificate is similar to that for birth certificates. Contact the county clerk where the marriage occurred or visit their website for specific instructions. Check out the Illinois Department of Public Health Marriage Records page for more information.

Securing State Apostilles in Illinois

An apostille is a certification that validates the authenticity of a document for use in foreign countries. Here’s how to get an apostille for documents issued in Illinois:

1. Eligibility

• Documents issued by the state of Illinois are eligible for apostilles.

2. Application Form

• Obtain the Submittal Form from the Illinois Secretary of State.
• Complete the form and attach it to your document(s).

3. In-Person Service

• Visit either the Springfield or Chicago Index Department office.
• Bring the original document(s), certified by a government official or notarized by an Illinois Notary Public.
• Pay the $2 fee per document.

4. By Mail

• Mail your application, original document(s), and payment to:
  Illinois Secretary of State Index Department 17 N. State St., Ste. 1010 Chicago, IL 60602

5. Processing Time

• Normal processing time for mailed documents is 7 to 14 business days.
• In most cases, documents can be processed while you wait if you visit in person.

Addresses for In-Person Service

• Springfield Office:
  Secretary of State Index Department 111 E. Monroe Springfield, IL 62756 Phone: 217-782-7017
• Chicago Office:
  Secretary of State Index Department 17 N. State Street, Ste. 1010 Chicago, IL 60602

Streamline Your Document Gathering Process

By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining authorized copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and securing state apostilles in Illinois. Remember to check the specific requirements for each document type and country of use, and always verify the most up-to-date information with the relevant authorities.

For more details, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s Apostilles and Certifications page and the Illinois Department of Public Health Birth Records and Marriage Records pages.

Gather your documents with confidence and ease, knowing you have all the information you need at your fingertips!