Illinois State Police Record (Criminal History) Apostille
A state-level criminal check, apostilled fast by Illinois
In short: An Illinois State Police (ISP) criminal history record is a state document, so it is apostilled by the Illinois Secretary of State — the fast, local route we hand-carry to the Chicago counter. Some countries accept this state check in place of the federal FBI report; we'll confirm which your destination wants.
State record vs. the FBI check
An Illinois State Police criminal history record covers Illinois, and because it is a state document the Illinois Secretary of State can apostille it — the same fast lane we use for other Illinois documents. The FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document, so it is apostilled by the U.S. Department of State instead. Some consulates specifically want the state check; others require the FBI report; a few accept either.
Who needs one apostilled
Applicants for a work visa, residency, or long-stay permit whose destination country or employer asks for a state police clearance; and anyone whose consulate has told them an Illinois State Police check is acceptable.
Which check does your country want?
This is the step people get wrong, and it costs them weeks. Before you order, tell us the country and visa type and we'll confirm whether you need the Illinois State Police record, the FBI report, or either — and whether it must be apostilled or, for a non-Hague country, legalized.
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
Our service starts at $99 per document; return shipping at cost, or you provide a prepaid label. Because the Illinois record is apostilled in Illinois, it's on our fast track — standard 5–7 business days, expedited hand-carry typically 2–5 business days. (Obtaining the ISP record itself, if you don't already have it, can add time; we'll advise.)
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 an Illinois State Police check the same as an FBI background check?
No. The ISP record is a state-level check apostilled by Illinois; the FBI report is federal and apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. Some countries accept one, some the other — we'll confirm which yours wants before you spend on the wrong one.
Can you apostille both the state and FBI checks?
Yes. We apostille the Illinois State Police record at the Secretary of State and coordinate the U.S. Department of State apostille for the FBI report.
How do I get the Illinois State Police record itself?
It comes from the Illinois State Police; if you don't already have it, call us and we'll point you to the right request and timing.