How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in Texas

An apostille on the Texas birth certificate becomes essential when using it overseas. The apostille on the certificate provides certification and makes it legally valid in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. While this process may seem complicated, you can complete the Texas apostille efficiently by following the proper steps. This blog will guide you on completing the apostilled birth certificate in Texas in simple steps.
 

The apostille on a birth certificate authenticates the document for use in other countries for various reasons, such as:

1. Studying Abroad: If you plan to study at a foreign institution, you might need an apostilled birth certificate to enroll.
2. Getting Married Overseas: Many countries will require an apostilled birth certificate to verify your identity and age when you get married abroad.
3. Dual Citizenship Applications: If you want to obtain dual nationality, you may need to provide official documents with an apostille.
4. International Adoption: Agencies and foreign governments often require apostilled documents during the adoption process.
5. Work Visa or Immigration Purposes: Employers or immigration authorities may ask for an apostilled birth certificate as part of your application.

Also, if you want to adopt a child or transfer property ownership to a different guardian, you may need a Texas apostille on the birth certificate and other documents. Check with your destination country for more information on document needs. 
 

The Texas Secretary of State has some essential requirements to complete the apostille process for a Texas birth certificate.

1. Birth Certificate Validity: The Texas birth certificate should be issued within the last 5 years. If not, you must obtain a certified copy from the official authorities.
2. No Notarization Needed: A Texas birth certificate does not require notarization.
3. Apostille Request for General Purposes: If you are using the certificate for general purposes like marriage or education, you will need to use the Texas apostille request form 2102.
4. Apostille Request for Adoption Purposes: If the birth certificate is for adoption purposes, you will need to use the Texas apostille request form 2103.
5. Prepaid Return Service: If you're using mail for submission, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return.
6. Certified Translation: If your birth certificate is not in English, you will need to provide a certified translation.

Following these steps will help you easily complete the Texas birth certificate apostille process:

1. Check Destination Country Requirements
Before applying for an apostille in Texas, it’s important to understand the destination country’s requirements. Different countries have different rules regarding apostilles. For example, if you're applying for a job, you may need to apostille not just your birth certificate, but also other documents like background checks and academic records. It’s beneficial to check with the relevant authorities to know exactly which documents need apostilles. This helps you handle everything in one go, saving both time and money.

2. Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Texas Birth Certificate
The first step to complete the apostille for a Texas birth certificate is to obtain a certified copy. If your birth certificate is older than 5 years, you’ll need to order a new certified copy. You can get this by contacting the Texas Department of State Health Services or through your local county clerk’s office. Certified copies can also be requested online via the Texas Vital Statistics website or VitalChek.

3. Choose Your Method to Complete the Apostille Process
Once you have the certified copy of your birth certificate, you’ll need to choose how you want to complete the apostille process. There are three methods:

• In Person: Visit the Texas Secretary of State's office in Austin. This is often the fastest method.
• By Mail: Send your documents, payment, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Texas Secretary of State.
• Third-Party Services: Use a professional service to handle the entire process for you. They’ll collect your documents, handle the submission, and return them once complete.

4. Complete the Apostille Request Form
You must accurately fill out the appropriate apostille request form, making sure to include all necessary information such as your personal details, the name of the destination country, and the purpose of the document. For general purposes like work, study, or marriage, you should complete form 2102. If the apostille is needed for adoption-related purposes, then form 2103 is required instead. Adoption cases often involve additional documentation and special handling, so it's important to follow the correct guidelines to avoid delays or issues in processing.

5. Pay the Applicable Fees
The fee for a Texas apostille is $15 per document for general purposes and $10 per document for adoption-related purposes.

Payment options vary by method:

• If you’re submitting in person, you can pay with a money order, check, or debit card.
• For mail submissions, payment should be made by money order or check, or through a client account with the Texas Secretary of State.
• When using third-party services, payments are usually made through their secure online portal.

6. Wait for Processing
After submitting your documents, the Texas Secretary of State will begin processing your request.

• If you apply in person, you can usually receive the apostille within 2 -3 days; in some cases, same-day processing is usually done.
• If you submit by mail, it will take approximately 25 business days for processing.
• If you use third-party services, you can typically expect your apostilled documents to be returned within 24-48 hours, depending on the service provider.
   

By following the right steps, you can complete your Texas birth certificate apostille easily, whether it's for study, work, marriage, or adoption. Just make sure all your details are correct and double-check everything before you apply. You can do it in person, by mail, or use a third-party service.

If you want to avoid the hassle and paperwork, third-party services like Globeia can help speed up your process. Our expert team will guide you through each step, ensure your documents are correct, and help you get your apostilled birth certificate in Texas quickly and efficiently.