Illinois Apostille for China
China now accepts apostilles — no more consular legalization for most documents
In short: As of 7 November 2023, mainland China is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, so most Illinois documents used in China now need only an apostille from the Illinois Secretary of State — not the older Chinese consular legalization. We apostille Illinois documents for use in China by mail, from the U.S. or from China.
What changed in 2023
Before November 2023, a document for use in mainland China had to go through slow Chinese consular legalization. Since 7 November 2023 that process is replaced by a single apostille for public documents — a major simplification most people still don't realize. (Hong Kong and Macau were already covered.)
Common documents & reasons
Degrees and transcripts for work permits and Z-visas, birth and marriage certificates for residence permits, and business documents for company setup.
How it works — a 100% remote process
- Tell us what you need. Call or text 847-436-5222 or request a quote. We confirm exactly which document you have and where it's going.
- Send us your document. Mail or courier it to our Naperville office. If it needs to be notarized first, we can handle that too.
- We submit to the Illinois Secretary of State. Standard by mail, or we hand-carry it to the Chicago counter for expedited processing.
- We return it, tracked. Back to you or straight to your recipient, domestic or international, with status you can follow the whole way.
A small number of documents or receiving institutions may still request extra steps during the transition — tell us your situation and we'll confirm the right path. Cost starts at $99–$129 per document plus the $2 state fee; return shipping at cost or you provide a label.
Why Efficient Biometrics
We're a licensed and insured service with a real, staffed office in Naperville (682 Illinois Route 59) — not a P.O. box — a notary on site, document-level tracking so you always know where your originals are, and local proximity to the Chicago Secretary of State counter for genuine expedited service. Call or text 847-436-5222.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does China still require consular legalization?
No — not for public documents since 7 November 2023. An apostille is used instead.
Is Hong Kong or Macau different?
They were already covered by the Convention before mainland China joined.
Can you apostille my diploma for a China work visa?
Yes — we coordinate the required notarization and apostille it.