Dealing with international document requirements can be difficult, particularly when it comes to apostilles. Apostilles are usually needed if you are in Texas and need to use official documents from a different country. Understanding the process can make getting your Texas apostille quick and straightforward when applying for school, marriage, work, or legal matters. This article will explain what an apostille is, which papers can be used, and how to obtain one from the State of Texas.
What is a Texas Apostille?
A Texas Apostille is an official certificate that confirms a document's legitimacy. It ensures that the paper's signature, stamp, or seal is authentic and from a known authority. You’ll need this to present a Texas document in another country that’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It helps foreign authorities accept your Texas documents without requiring extra legal processes.
Why is it Important?
Securing an apostille is key because many countries won’t accept your U.S. documents without one. If you’re getting married overseas, applying for a visa, enrolling in a school in another country, dealing with international legal matters, or conducting business abroad, you’ll probably need to have your Texas documents apostilled.. Without this, your paperwork could be delayed, turned away, or even require you to go through expensive and time-consuming steps like embassy legalization. The apostille makes the whole process easier, speeds up acceptance, and reassures you that your documents are ready for use worldwide. It’s a key step for ensuring everything goes smoothly across borders, but it is only accepted for the countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
Types of Documents for Texas Apostille: Recordable vs. Non-Recordable
When you apply for an apostille in Texas, your document will be recordable or non-recordable. Understanding the difference is important for preparing your documents properly.
Recordable Documents: These documents have been issued and recorded by a government agency, whether a state, county, or agency in the state of Texas.
Here are some examples:
- Birth or death certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Probated wills
- Background checks (from the state or county)
- Judgments or court records
- Burial transit permits
- Vehicle record letters
- Car title search letters
Non-Recordable Documents:
These types of documents aren’t filed with any government agency. They need to be notarized by a Texas Notary Public and should include a statement that describes the content and purpose, signed by the person holding the document.
Examples include:
- Notarized letters, affidavits, or declarations
- Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, diplomas, or transcripts
- Power of attorney
- Business documents like contracts or bylaws
- Wills (originals, not those filed in court)
- Translations of documents
Who Can Issue an Apostille in Texas?
Only the Texas Secretary of State can issue an apostille. This certificate verifies that your document is authentic and can be accepted abroad. If the country you want to send the document to is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille will be enough. However, if it is not a member, the additional authentication by the US State Department and consulate is crucial.
Important Points to Remember Before Applying for a Texas Apostille
The Texas Secretary of State has issued a few guidelines to complete the apostille process in Texas.
- To be eligible for an apostille, most documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other business papers, should have been issued within the last five years.
- Make sure your documents are either certified by the right Texas official or properly notarized.
- Notarized documents must include the notary's seal, name, date, and complete notarial certificate.
- School diplomas and transcripts need to be notarized with a statement from a school official and follow the correct notary format.
- Birth, death, and marriage certificates must be certified copies from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas county clerk, or can be obtained online from VitalCheck.
- Keep in mind that Texas can’t apostille federal documents and needs to go through the U.S. Department of State.
- Fill out the official Texas Apostille Request Form and specify the country where you intend to use the document.
- Before you apply, double-check that your document meets the requirements of the country where it will be used.
How to Apostille a Document in Texas?
There are three easy ways to request an apostille from the State of Texas, so applicants can select the one that best suits their needs in terms of time, place, and preferences.
Walk-In Service (Austin Office Only)
Individuals who live in Austin or can travel there to finish the apostille process can use Texas apostille walk-in services. Walk-in services are completed the same day but may take time depending on the backlog. To complete the apostille in person, you must provide your original certified copy of the document (certified or notarized) and complete the apostille request form 2102, including all required details. After this, complete the payment and attach the payment slip. Then, submit the documents to the Texas Secretary of State’s office, which is located at:
The Texas Secretary of State's Office
Authentications Unit, Room 106
1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701
You can also submit bulk requests. In-person requests can be completed in 2 to 3 days. For more information regarding bulk requests, contact the front desk.
Mail-In Apostille Requests
If you cannot complete the apostille in Austin or travel there, you can use the mail-in service provided by the Texas Secretary of State. You must mail your original certified or notarized documents, along with the completed Texas apostille request form 2102, to the office address. Also, the appropriate payment and a return envelope should be attached to the Secretary of State’s office. Mailed requests typically take a few days to process, and delays are possible during busy periods. Payments can be made by check, money order, or through a funded Secretary of State client account.
Third-Party Apostille Services
Third-party services are the most common, beneficial, and efficient way to complete the Texas apostille process. With third-party services, you just need to complete the application, send your documents, and they will handle your Texas apostille request on your behalf. They will submit your documents, process your request, and send you the completed apostille as per your selected methods. This is the most convenient way as you don’t have to travel anywhere, you just stay at home and receive your apostille results without any hassle.
How Much Does a Texas Apostille Cost?
In Texas, the fee for getting an apostille is quite affordable. However, the cost is reduced if the documents are related to an international adoption. You can pay in various ways, depending on how you submit your request. When applying in person, you can pay with a cheque, credit card, debit card, or cash. The Texas SOS office doesn’t give change, so your money must be exact. Checks should be drawn from a U.S. bank and sent to the Texas Secretary of State.
You can pay by check, money order, or by funding an SOS Client Account for mail-in requests. Ensure that your checks or money orders include your full address, the correct payment amount, and your signature. Following these payment guidelines will help ensure your request is processed smoothly and without delays.
If you choose to use a third-party service, keep in mind that, depending on the provider, there may be extra service or courier fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Texas Apostille?
The Texas apostille processing time depends on how you decide to apply. If you choose to visit the Austin office in person for walk-in service, you can usually expect your documents to be processed the same day or within 1 to 2 business days.
If you prefer to send your documents by mail, you can expect a processing time of about 25 business days, excluding the mailing time. This option is more convenient for those living far from Austin, but it takes longer.
Using a third-party apostille service means your documents typically get processed and sent back to you within 24 to 72 hours. These services manage all the details, perfect if you want a speedy and stress-free experience.
What Does a Texas Apostille Look Like?
A Texas apostille is a single-page official certificate issued by the Texas Secretary of State. It is meant to be attached to an original or notarized document to validate its authenticity for international purposes. The apostille’s format follows the standards established by the Hague Apostille Convention.
Here are the key details included in the certificate:
| Title: | "Apostille" (Convention de La Haye du 5 October 1961) displayed at the top. |
| Issuing Authority: | The Texas Secretary of State, with their official seal and signature. |
| Other Information: | The name and title of the person who signed the original document. |
| Seal or Stamp: | Confirmation that the attached document carries the correct official seal or notary stamp. |
| Date and Location: | The date and place where the apostille was issued. |
| Registration Number: | Authentication ID number. |
| Signature and Stamp: | The authorized officer's printed name and hand-signed signature, along with the embossed state seal. |
Conclusion
Getting an apostille from the State of Texas requires careful planning and attention to detail. By making sure your documents are prepared correctly and choosing the best way to submit them—whether that's in person, by mail, or through a third-party—you can avoid delays and meet international requirements. If you're in a hurry or just want a more convenient option, reliable third-party services like Globeia can help you.
Globeia has partners across various U.S. states, including Texas, which help streamline the process, reduce mistakes, and ensure that your apostille experience is smooth and successful from start to finish.