How to Get a U.S. Apostille While Living Overseas
Sending your document back to the issuing U.S. state
In short: If you live overseas and need a U.S. document apostilled, you can't do it at a local office — the document must go back to the U.S. state that issued or notarized it. The practical route is to courier it to a U.S.-based apostille service in that state, which submits it to the Secretary of State and returns it to you internationally with tracking.
Mailing an original abroad is the scary part — so choose a service that offers tracking, insured handling, and guidance on which copy to send. For Illinois documents, we receive it at our Naperville office, apostille it, and return it internationally. See the out-of-state guide, birth certificates, and diplomas.
Key facts
- Must return to the issuing U.S. state
- Courier with tracking both ways
- Illinois documents → Illinois Secretary of State via a local service
- International return shipping quoted by country
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a U.S. apostille at an embassy abroad?
No — the document must go back to the U.S. state that issued or notarized it.
How do I get an Illinois document apostilled from overseas?
Courier it to our Naperville office; we apostille it and return it to you internationally with tracking.