South · TX
The Lone Star State
How to get an apostille in Texas
In Texas, apostilles are issued by the Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit. Here is the process, the state fee, how long it takes, and what a Texas apostille looks like.
- Capital
- Austin
- Governor (2026)
- Greg Abbott
- State flower
- Bluebonnet
- State bird
- Northern Mockingbird
Apostille signed by Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit
Step-by-step: an apostille in Texas
- 01
Confirm the document is Texas-issued or notarized by a Texas notary public.
- 02
If your document is a private document (power of attorney, affidavit, diploma, corporate paperwork), have it notarized first — the Texas Secretary of State authenticates the notary's commission, not your signature directly. Vital records and court documents skip this step (they are certified by the issuing office instead).
- 03
For vital records, obtain a certified copy from the Texas Department of State Health Services (Vital Statistics) or the local registrar.
- 04
Complete the authentication request (Form 2102) and identify the destination country.
- 05
Submit by mail or in person to the Authentications Unit in Austin with the $15-per-document fee and a prepaid return envelope.
- 06
Receive your apostille (Hague countries) or authentication certificate (non-Hague countries).
Texas apostille fees & processing time
| Competent authority | Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit |
|---|---|
| State fee | $15 per document |
| Processing time | Mail-in is typically 2–3 weeks; in-person/expedited service is available in Austin. |
| Mailing / submission | Mail to the Texas Secretary of State, Authentications Unit, P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550 (verify the current address online). Include the $15-per-document fee, completed request form, destination country, and a prepaid return envelope. |
Documents commonly apostilled in Texas
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates (certified copies from Texas Vital Statistics)
- Powers of attorney, affidavits, and single-status documents
- Diplomas and transcripts from Texas institutions
- Corporate documents — certificates of fact / good standing, articles, resolutions
Federal documents (such as an FBI background check) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not by Texas.
Specimen
What a Texas apostille looks like
A Texas apostille contains the standard 10 fields required by the Hague Convention, naming the Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit as the issuing authority. Below is an illustrative specimen — it is not a valid document and contains no real data.
See specimens for all states →- 1.Country United States of America
- 2.has been signed by [NAME OF SIGNER]
- 3.acting in the capacity of [CAPACITY — e.g. Notary Public]
- 4.bears the seal / stamp of [ISSUING OFFICIAL / SEAL]
- 5.at [CITY / PLACE]
- 6.the [DATE]
- 7.by Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit
- 8.No. 0000000
- 9.Seal / Stamp [OFFICIAL SEAL]
- 10.Signature [SIGNATURE]
Texas apostille FAQ
- How much is a Texas apostille?
- Texas charges $15 per document for apostilles and authentications. Notarization (if required) and shipping are additional. Confirm the current fee on the Secretary of State's page.
- Where is the Texas apostille office?
- The Texas Secretary of State's Authentications Unit is in Austin. You can submit by mail or in person; in-person submissions can be expedited.
- Can Texas apostille an FBI background check?
- No. FBI background checks are federal documents and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, not by Texas.
Not legal advice. This guide is general information about the Texas apostille process and may not reflect the latest fees, addresses, or procedures — always confirm with the Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit via the official source above. The specimen shown is an illustrative example, not an official document.
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