Chicago, IL
Federal Marriage Record Apostille in Chicago, IL
How Chicago residents get their Federal Marriage Record authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, the local details, timing and price.
Quick answer
Most federal marriage record holders in Chicago actually have a Illinois state record, which goes to the Illinois Secretary of State. Only genuinely federal versions go to the U.S. Department of State.
- County
- Cook County
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- State apostille office
- Illinois Secretary of State, Springfield
- Our nearest office
- Washington, D.C. (headquarters)
Married in Illinois? It’s probably a state record
Marriage certificates issued by a Illinois county clerk or the state vital records office are state documents, apostilled by the Illinois Secretary of State in Springfield — not by the U.S. Department of State. Only consular or federally issued marriage records take the federal route.
Send us a photo before ordering and we’ll tell you which route yours takes.
Chicago: the local details
Chicago is in Cook County, within the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Illinois state documents are apostilled by the Illinois Secretary of State in Springfield.
About the Federal Marriage Record
How to apostille a federally issued or consular marriage record for spousal visas and foreign registration.
Getting it done from Chicago
We don’t have an office in Chicago — and you don’t need one. Chicago clients send documents by mail, and our nearest office is Washington, D.C. (headquarters).
| Destination | Route | Our turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Hague Convention country | U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days |
| Non-Hague country | Authentication + embassy legalization | 15–17 business days |
Federal Marriage Record in Chicago — FAQ
Is there an apostille office in Chicago for a Federal Marriage Record?
State-issued versions go to the Illinois Secretary of State in Springfield; federal versions go to the U.S. Department of State.
Do I need to visit an office in Chicago?
No. Chicago clients send documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Chicago?
About 10–12 business days for Hague Convention countries and 15–17 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, plus shipping.
How much does it cost?
$299 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Which federal court covers Chicago?
Chicago is in Cook County, within the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Related: All documents in Chicago · Federal Marriage Record in Illinois · Federal Marriage Record — full guide
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.