Everything You Need to Know About Apostilles in Texas

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.  

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.

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.

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:

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

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.  

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.

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.

The Texas Secretary of State's Office

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.

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.

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:

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.