Illinois Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Illinois State Police (ISP) — Bureau of Identification

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Illinois state background checks are processed by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Bureau of Identification.
   • For immigration purposes, request an 'Access & Review' background check, which returns your full Illinois criminal history record (rap sheet). This is the most comprehensive option for visa applications.
   • All fingerprint transactions must be submitted electronically through a licensed live scan fingerprint vendor — the ISP does not accept ink-on-card fingerprints for this type of check.
   • Find a licensed live scan vendor near you on the ISP website. The vendor fee is approximately $52, which includes the state processing fee. The ISP itself does not charge a separate fee for Access & Review requests.
   • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to your live scan appointment. The vendor will capture your fingerprints digitally and submit them to ISP electronically.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Results are mailed by the ISP to the address you provide. Allow up to 15 business days from the date of fingerprint submission.
   • The report is a paper document containing your complete Illinois criminal history record information.
   • Illinois also offers a UCIA (Uniform Conviction Information Act) check, which only shows convictions. The Access & Review is preferred for immigration as it is more complete.
   • Review the document carefully for accuracy before proceeding to apostille.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original background check to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department, for apostille.
   • The fee is $2 per document. Include the Application for Authentication or Apostille form (Form I-213), available at ilsos.gov.
   • Mail to: Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department, 160 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60601.
   • Processing time is 7-14 business days for mail-in requests. This does not include mailing time.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • After your document is apostilled, submit it to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation and notarization.
   • Upload a clear scan or photo of your apostilled background check through the EcuadorTranslations.com order form.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 each when ordering 3 or more documents). Turnaround: 3 business days.
   • Your translated and notarized document will be delivered digitally, ready for your Ecuador visa application.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• Illinois requires electronic live scan fingerprinting — ink-on-card fingerprint submissions are not accepted for Access & Review checks.
• The ISP does not charge a fee for Access & Review, but the licensed live scan vendor charges approximately $52 for fingerprinting and submission.
• Illinois has one of the lowest apostille fees at $2.00, but mail-in processing (7-14 business days) is slower than many states.
• The UCIA check only returns conviction information. For immigration, request the Access & Review, which provides your full criminal history.

Sources and verification