Apostille for Spain from Illinois (2026: Process, Costs, Timelines)
If your documents were issued in Illinois, this is where the apostille comes from. Here is the office, the timing, and how it fits with your sworn translations.
Apostille in Illinois: The Short Answer
The Illinois Apostille Office
- Office: Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department
- Address: 111 E Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756
- In person: Same day at the Springfield or Chicago office
- By mail: About 2 to 3 weeks plus mailing time
- Fee: No fee for the apostille itself
- Official page: Illinois Secretary of State
Verify all figures against the official source before relying on them. Government fees and processing times change without much notice.
Which Documents Need Which Route
State-issued documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, and notarized copies of diplomas) are apostilled by Illinois. Documents issued by a federal agency are apostilled by the US Department of State. Most American visa applicants need both routes, which is why sequencing matters.
FBI Background Check (Federal)
Your FBI Identity History Summary is federal. It is apostilled by the US Department of State in Washington, DC, not by Illinois. Order the FBI check early through an approved channeler, because it is often the longest pole in the tent.
Order: Apostille First, Then Sworn Translation
The sequence is fixed. Apostille the original, then have a MAEC-certified translator produce the traducción jurada, because the sworn translation must cover the apostille text as well. Translating first means paying twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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