Apostilles for a Bulgarian Adoption

How To Apostille a Document for Adoption in IL?

The green documents are “green” because I want to help you group them together in the sense that they will all be going together to get an “Apostille” from the Secretary of State in IL. In order to get an Apostille a document in IL, you have to send the docs to IL Secretary of State at: 

Illinois Secretary of State
Index Department
17 N. State St., Ste 1010
Chicago, IL 60602

IL Charges $2 per Apostille.  

Since you live in Chicago, you should know they also have a “walk in service”, so if you want to save time – which may be a good idea- perhaps you can take the docs there yourslf.  Most often, they will issue the Apostilles the same day, or the next day instead of having to wait 7 – 10 days processing if you mail in. 

Please make sure that check is made out to “IL Secretary of State” for the fees owed for the apostilles. 

Please include a pre-paid self addressed envelope for IL to return the apostilled docs to you. Depending on the courier, you may have to include a pre-paid bill receipt.  (Please have a tracking number) 

312 814 8218  – please call to verify that nothing has changed since these instructions were written.  Please ask them if there are any changes due to COVID19? (Double check fees, location, and ask if they have a preferred mail courier) 

Click below to get the form you’ll need as a “cover letter” to request an Apostille from IL.  

Additional Notes:

Now, keep in mind, just because all the “green” documents will go together, that does not mean that they are all prepared in the same way.   On the contrary there are quite a few differences in the steps you have to take with each in order to get them eligible for an apostille.   One quick example is the Medical form.  It is signed by your doctor, and a notary notarizes his/her signature.  So you don’t have to do much but send it.   However, the passport copies is something you make copies of and implement the affidavit/oath legalization before sending it – so you have more work there.   Different forms will need different things done to them.  So please make sure to take the time and read the individual steps within each different document.  For some that are more challenging to prepare, there are videos of me explaining things.  Hope that helps.   At the end of the day, remember, I am here to help, so if somethings isn’t clear – pick up the phone and call me! 704 527 7673. Or text, or skype me, or email me. Lets do this thing! (Below is an FAQ directly from IL Secy of State, if you’d like to check it out – but you don’t have to, and we always link to our Bulgaria page – as it is always changing with its new blogs and adoption stories)