If you are in Austin and planning to move to another country for school, work, marriage, or new beginnings, you might need an apostille. An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document and confirms it was issued in Austin.

All documents issued by the State of Texas or local Austin authorities can be verified for international use through the Texas Secretary of State's office. Whether you require an apostille for birth certificates, marriage certificates, or business documents, the process is simple and easy when you follow the right steps.

Understanding the Apostille

An apostille is a certificate that confirms a public document is genuine and valid for use in another country. It's often required when sending documents from the U.S. to countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This international agreement streamlines the process of verifying documents, eliminating the need for embassy or consulate certification.

Who Issues It in Austin

The Texas Secretary of State (SOS) issues apostilles in Austin. Their Authentications Unit in Austin reviews your documents and attaches the apostille certificate. The SOS office address for an apostille in Austin, Texas, is:

Texas Secretary of State – Authentications Unit

1019 Brazos Street Austin

TX 78701

Apostille Document Types and Their Requirements in Austin

An apostille may be necessary for several types of documents in Austin. Every specific document has unique requirements. The most typical ones are:

Vital Records

Vital documents, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, can be apostilled, but they should have been issued within the last five years. If not, they must be certified copies issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or the local county clerk. Only certified copies of these records, not photocopies, are eligible for apostille processing in Austin.

Educational Document

Educational documents such as diplomas, transcripts, and enrollment papers should first be certified by a school official and then notarized by a Texas Notary Public. After notarization, you can submit them to complete the apostille process and ensure that the document is officially valid abroad.

Corporate Document

Documents related to business, such as articles of incorporation, good condition certificates, or other corporate proposals, must be certified copies if the Texas Secretary or other government agencies in Austin issue them. However, if a private entity problems the document, it should be notarized by an Austin notary before applying for an apostille.

Other Notarized Documents

Documents like passport copies, driver's licenses, and power of attorney letters usually need to be notarized before they can be submitted for an apostille. Make sure a Texas Notary Public handles the notarization properly. Also, the notarized document should include a notary certificate, which has important details like the date, the notary's name, the venue, and other necessary information.

How to Apply for an Apostille in Austin

To apply for the apostille in Austin from the Texas SOS, you just need to follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

The first thing you need to do is make sure your document is all set for the apostille process. Your document must be issued in Texas to qualify for an apostille from the Texas Secretary of State. If it’s a vital record, like a birth or death certificate, you’ll need to grab a certified copy from the right agency in Austin, such as the Texas Department of State Health Services or your local county clerk.

For other documents, ensure they’re notarized by a Texas-authorized Notary Public in Austin. The notarization should include a full notarial certificate with the notary’s name, venue, date, signature, and official seal. Just a heads up: documents from other states or cities outside of Texas can’t be processed for an apostille in Austin.

Step 2: Complete the Apostille Request Form (Form 2102 or 2103)

To process your apostille request, you must print and complete either Form 2102 or Form 2103, based on what you’re applying for. Form 2102 is usually for general purposes, like job applications, visa requests, and business transactions.

On the other hand, if you’re working with adoption-related documents, like birth certificates or marriage certifications for international adoption, you’ll need Form 2103. Be sure to fill out the right form carefully, checking that all your information is accurate and complete to avoid any delays or rejections.

Step 3: Choose How You Want to Submit the Application

There are three ways to submit your apostille application in Austin:

Option 1: Walk-In Service

The first option is the walk-in service, which is perfect if you're an Austin local and need your apostille in a hurry. Just head over to the Secretary of State's office, and most of the time, your document will be processed on the same day. Just keep in mind that you might have to wait in lines.

Option 2: Mail-In Service

The second option is the mail-in service. This is a great choice if you’re not in a rush or would rather avoid the trip downtown. All you need to do is fill out the necessary form, gather your documents, and mail them to the Texas Secretary of State. Also, don’t forget to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return.

Option 3: Third-Party Apostille Services

Finally, there’s the option of using a third-party apostille service. These experts will manage the whole process for you, whether you’re in Austin or beyond. They’re familiar with Texas requirements, so you won’t need to visit any office or deal with mailing; just hand over your documents, and they’ll take care of everything.

Step 4: Complete the Payment

The fee for an apostille is nominal. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card when you visit the Secretary of State's office. If you’re thinking about using a third-party service, keep in mind that they might charge fees, so it’s best to check with them directly for their rates. If you’re paying by check, just make it out to the Texas Secretary of State.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Apostille in Austin, Texas

Many applications get rejected because of simple mistakes that could easily be avoided. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

The Texas Secretary of State only apostilles documents that are issued in Texas (for example, from Austin or other Texas cities).
Documents from other states won’t be accepted.
Make sure the notarization is complete. The notary's name, the date, their signature, the official seal, and the correct wording for the certificate (like acknowledgment or jurat).
Don’t use an old form. Always download the most recent version of Form 2102 or 2103 from the Secretary of State's website.
And remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’re using mail-in services. Without it, your documents could end up delayed or even lost.

Final Thoughts

Getting an apostille in Austin is pretty straightforward if you follow these simple steps. Whether you're getting married in another country, traveling abroad for work or school, or handling international business, an apostille guarantees that your Austin documents are recognized worldwide.

First, check what your destination country requires and find out if you need an apostille or just authentication. Once you're ready, make sure your documents are in order, fill out the necessary form, and decide if you want to manage the process yourself or hire a trustworthy third-party service that fits your budget.

If you're on the lookout for a reliable company to help with your apostille in Austin, Globeia is a great choice. We handle everything for you, ensuring your documents are processed smoothly with the Texas Secretary of State.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

Recommended by Globeia