An apostille certifies the validity of a document in another country. Who issues an apostille in Illinois?

An apostille in Illinois is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. The role of the Secretary of State in this process ensures that the document in question is officially recognized for use in international contexts, particularly in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. An apostille serves as a verification of the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and, if applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp that the document bears.

This process is crucial for individuals and businesses that require documents to be acknowledged as valid in foreign jurisdictions. The involvement of the Secretary of State adds an official layer of credibility and demonstrates that the document has met the necessary legal standards within Illinois before being used internationally.