Illinois Death Certificate Apostille — From Any State or Country
For estate, pension, inheritance and probate matters abroad
In short: An Illinois death certificate used abroad must be apostilled by the Illinois Secretary of State. We apostille certified Illinois death certificates by mail for families anywhere — most often to settle an estate, claim a foreign pension, or close accounts overseas.
Which death certificate can be apostilled
It must be a certified copy issued by Illinois vital records or the county clerk, bearing the registrar's signature and seal — not a photocopy. If you need an eligible copy, we can advise on ordering one and in many cases obtain it for you for a handling fee plus the actual county or state cost.
Common reasons families need this
Settling an estate or probate abroad, claiming a foreign pension or insurance benefit, transferring or closing overseas accounts and property, and confirming a death for foreign civil registries.
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.
- 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.
Cost & turnaround
Vital records start at $99 per document; return shipping at cost or a prepaid label you provide. Standard 5–7 business days; expedited hand-carry 2–5. See apostille cost and how long it takes.
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
Is this the same service as marriage and divorce certificates?
Yes — our marriage, divorce & death certificate guide covers all three; this page focuses on death records.
The country isn't in the Hague Convention — what then?
Then it needs authentication plus embassy legalization instead of an apostille — see our apostille vs. authentication vs. legalization guide.
Can you obtain the certified copy for me?
In many cases yes, for a handling fee plus the actual county or state cost.