Texas Apostille Services — Birth, Marriage, Diplomas, FBI & Business

If you need to use a Texas–issued document overseas, the receiving authority will almost certainly ask for anapostille (for Hague Convention countries) or, if the destination is not a Hague member, for a state authentication followed by consular legalization.This touches many everyday records: a birth certificate ormarriage certificate from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit,a divorce decree certified by a District Clerk,diplomas and transcripts from UT Austin, Texas A&M, Rice, UH, Texas Tech, Baylor, SMU, TCU, UT Dallas, UTEP, UTSA—or a notarized power of attorney for a real-estate closing in Mexico or Spain.The apostille is a one-page certificate that verifies the signature and official capacity of the Texas official or notary who signed your document, so it is recognized abroad without extra embassy steps when the destination participates in the Hague Convention.

Texas’s global footprint is enormous: energy and petrochemicals along the Gulf Coast; cross-border manufacturing, logistics, and trade through the Port of Houston and land ports from El Paso to Laredo;aerospace and advanced manufacturing in Dallas–Fort Worth; life sciences and tech in Austin; higher education and medical innovation in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio; and agriculture and ranching statewide.Families, students, and companies routinely need documents that travel. This guide explains who issues apostilles in Texas, which documents qualify, how to prepare each category correctly, realistic timelines, pitfalls to avoid,and when an expedited in-person filing is smarter than DIY mail-in.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles and authentications for Texas documents are issued by the Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit in Austin.

Eligible Documents: Certified vital records (birth/death and most marriage records from DSHS Vital Statistics Unit; county-level marriage certificates from the County Clerk;divorce decrees certified by the District Clerk), court orders certified by the clerk, notarized documents (POAs, affidavits, consents),academic records (diplomas/transcripts with registrar certification or sealed packets), and business records (Certificates of Fact—Status/Existence, certified filings, and notarized corporate instruments).Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks) must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Turnaround: DIY mail-in can take 4–6+ weeks. With complete readiness, in-person filing often yields same-day or 24-hour results.

Price: $145 per document, government fees included. Same-day scans included. U.S. shipping optional ($20 flat); international by quote.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a standardized certificate under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the authenticity of an official’s signature/stamp and the capacity of the signer—such as a state registrar, county or district clerk, university registrar, or notary public. The apostille does not validate the content of your document.It confirms that the Texas official or notary had authority when they signed or sealed it, so foreign offices can accept the document without further inquiries.

If both the issuing jurisdiction (Texas/USA) and your destination country are Hague members, the apostille makes your document self-authenticating overseas—no embassy visit required.For non-Hague destinations (for example, several Gulf and Asian countries), your document follows a two-step path: (1) a Texas authentication issued by the Secretary of State and(2) consular legalization by the destination country’s embassy/consulate in the U.S. The right route depends on the destination and sometimes the specific ministry or registry that will receive your file.

Who Issues Apostilles in Texas?

The Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit issues apostilles and authentications for documents originating in Texas. The most common categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified birth and death certificates and verification letters from the DSHS Vital Statistics Unit;marriage certificates typically from the appropriate County Clerk (some marriages can be obtained from DSHS, but many recipients want the county-certified copy).Divorce decrees are certified by the District Clerk of the court that granted the divorce.
• Court Records — Name-change orders, adoptions, guardianships, probate orders, criminal dispositions, and judgments certified by the appropriate court clerk with seal and certification page.
• Notarized Documents — Affidavits, POAs, parental travel consents, translator affidavits, employment verifications, and corporate resolutions notarized by a Texas notary public.Texas authorizes remote online notarization (RON); confirm acceptance with your destination.
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, and registrar letters from University of Texas System (UT Austin, UT Dallas, UTSA, UTEP, UT Arlington, UT Tyler, UTRGV),Texas A&M University System (College Station, Kingsville, Commerce, Corpus Christi, etc.), Rice, University of Houston System, Texas Tech, SMU,Baylor, TCU, Texas State, UNT, St. Mary’s, Trinity, Angelo State, and community/technical colleges.Registrar certification or sealed packets are typical.
• Business Records — Certificates of Fact—Status/Existence, Certificates of Fact—Filing, certified copies of filings, and Franchise Tax status letters where required;plus notarized corporate instruments (board resolutions, incumbency certificates, POAs) executed by officers or counsel per recipient checklist. State-certified items are usually obtained from the Texas SOS — Business & Commercial Filings.

Federal documents—FBI background checks, IRS letters, USDA/FDA/NOAA export certificates, Social Security letters—must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State (Washington, D.C.), not by Texas.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Texans most often need apostilles for these situations:

• Immigration & Long-Stay Visas — Many European and Latin American destinations (Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile) require apostilled vital records and a federally apostilled FBI report.
• Study Abroad & Professional Credentialing — Universities and licensing boards abroad request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, registrar letters, and sometimes notarized employment/licensure confirmations.
• Marriage Abroad — Civil registries often require apostilled birth/marriage records plus a notarized/apostilled single-status affidavit (“no impediment”).
• International Adoption — Dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical/financial affidavits, and apostilled vital records.
• Dual Citizenship — Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish consulates frequently require multi-generational Texas records with apostilles and certified translations.
• Business & Banking Overseas — Foreign registries and banks may request apostilled Certificates of Fact—Status/Existence, Articles/Certificates of Formation, and board resolutions.
• Property & Estates — Apostilled probate records, wills, and death certificates are used to administer estates or transfer property outside the U.S.
• Energy/Logistics/Tech — Supplier onboarding, cross-border service contracts, and compliance tenders can require apostilled corporate authorizations and technical attestations.

DIY vs. Expedited Service

Factor	DIY Mail-In	Our Expedited Service
Timeline	4–6+ weeks; mail & backlog delays possible	Same-day/24-hour possible with readiness
Risk of Rejection	Higher — wrong copy, stale issuance, incomplete notary wording	Lower — expert pre-check, destination-specific guidance
Visibility	Limited once mailed; course correction is slow	Proactive updates; same-day scans for immediate use
Effort	You research, assemble, mail, and troubleshoot	We manage review, filing, monitoring, and delivery
Complexity	Consular legalizations & translation sequencing on you	We handle Hague and non-Hague routes end-to-end
Best For	No deadlines; low-stakes uses	Fixed interviews, start dates, closings, admissions

Pricing & ETA

Document Readiness (Make It “Apostille-Ready”)

Fast results start with immaculate paperwork. Texas will not apostille photocopies, uncertified vital records, or incomplete notary certificates.Use the standards below to avoid returns and re-queues.

Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)

• Birth & Death: Obtain certified copies from the DSHS Vital Statistics Unit or from a local office that issues state-registrar certificates.Photocopies or scans are not acceptable.
• Marriage: Request a certified marriage certificate from the County Clerk that recorded the marriage (e.g., Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Tarrant, Travis),or obtain a state-certified copy via DSHS if available. Some foreign recipients prefer the county-issued long form.
• Divorce: Order a certified decree from the District Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.Ask if the recipient requires the complete decree or accepts a short form/abstract.
• Freshness Window: If your recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, order fresh copies immediately before filing.
• Do Not Alter: Keep staples intact; do not laminate or highlight; avoid tabs/sticky notes that can damage seals.

Court Orders (Name Change, Adoption, Probate, Guardianship)

• Certified by Clerk: The order must bear the court seal and a certification by the District/County Clerk or relevant court clerk.
• Complete Packet: Include every page referenced in the certification. Removing staples can invalidate the certification.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

• Texas Notary Required: The notarial act must be performed by a duly commissioned Texas notary public. RON is permitted; verify the destination accepts it.
• Complete Certificate: Use a Texas acknowledgment or jurat with venue (State/County), date, printed notary name, signature, commission number/expiration, and stamp/embossing as applicable.
• Destination Wording: If the foreign authority requires specific notary language, bring it to the notary to avoid re-notarization later.

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• Registrar Certification: Ask your school to issue a registrar letter attesting to the authenticity of the attached diploma/transcript, or prepare a sealed packet addressed to the Texas SOS.
• Sealed Envelopes: Do not open sealed registrar packets. The SOS must break the seal; opened packets are generally rejected.
• Name Variations: If your name changed (marriage/adoption), gather and apostille connecting records as needed.

Business Records (Certificates of Fact, Good Standing, Resolutions)

• State-Certified Copies: If a foreign bank/registry requests state certification, order a Certificate of Fact—Status/Existence or certified copies directly from the Texas Secretary of State.
• Notarized Corporate Instruments: Resolutions, incumbency certificates, officer statements, and POAs should be notarized correctly in Texas if required by the recipient.
• Assumed Names (DBA): County-level assumed name certificates often require county clerk certification and then an apostille of that certification.

Step-by-Step Process (Texas & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (Texas) or federal? Texas documents go to the Texas Secretary of State; federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
2. Make It Ready: Gather certified vital/court copies, complete notary certificates, registrar letters, sealed packets, or state-certified corporate copies per category.
3. Choose the Route: Hague destination = apostille. Non-Hague = Texas authentication + consular legalization. Confirm your destination’s rules.
4. Submit: File in person in Austin (fastest) or by mail if timing allows. Include correct fees and a clear return/shipping instruction sheet.
5. Monitor & Correct: If the office flags an issue (e.g., wrong copy, incomplete notary block), respond immediately to avoid returns and new queues.
6. Delivery: Receive same-day scans for immediate use; originals ship domestically or internationally per your preference.

“In Texas, speed comes from readiness: the right copy, the right certification, the right route. When those align, apostilles move quickly.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

A certified Texas birth certificate is routinely required for visas, dual citizenship, study abroad, and marriage abroad.Order a certified copy from the DSHS Vital Statistics Unit or from authorized local offices that issue state-registrar certificates.Hague destinations accept a one-page apostille; non-Hague destinations require a Texas authentication and then consular legalization.If the foreign authority is strict about the registrar signature, request a certificate bearing a current state registrar signature on file with the SOS.

Common uses: Long-stay visas (Spain/Portugal/Italy), citizenship by descent (Italy/Ireland/Poland/Portugal), civil marriages abroad, school enrollments, nursing/engineering licensing.

Marriage Certificate Apostille

Texas marriage certificates are issued by the County Clerk in the county where the marriage license was recorded (e.g., Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Travis).Request a certified long-form copy if the destination prefers detailed fields. Many destinations also require a single-status affidavit (notarized and apostilled).If there was a prior marriage, an apostilled divorce decree is commonly required to prove capacity to marry.

Divorce Decree Apostille

Obtain a certified copy from the District Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.Ask whether your recipient needs the complete decree or will accept a short form/abstract. For remarriage abroad, expect to present both the apostilled divorce decree and, after the new ceremony is recorded, an apostilled new marriage certificate.

Death Certificate Apostille

Apostilled death certificates are used for estates, life insurance, and property transfers abroad. If letters testamentary/administration or probate orders are required, those items typically need their own apostilles.Confirm whether the foreign registry needs only the death certificate or a full probate packet (will + order + letters).

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Institutions such as UT Austin, Texas A&M, Rice, UH, Texas Tech, SMU, Baylor, TCU, Texas State, UNT, UT Dallas, UTSA, UTEP, and others typically provide aregistrar letter or a sealed packet addressed to the Texas Secretary of State. Do not open sealed envelopes; opened packets are usually rejected and must be reissued.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Ensure the notary block is Texas-compliant and complete. If your foreign authority dictates wording, present that text to the notary.Common items: real-estate POAs for Mexico/Spain/Portugal, parental travel consents, translator affidavits, company authorization letters, employment confirmations, experience attestations for licensing, IP assignments, and distributor declarations.

Corporate Documents

For foreign banking or corporate setup, expect requests for Articles/Certificate of Formation, a Certificate of Fact—Status/Existence, and a board resolution granting signatory authority.Some banks insist on state-certified copies; others accept properly notarized officer statements (then apostilled). Always ask the bank/registry for an exact checklist to avoid rework.

FBI Background Check (Federal)

The FBI background check is a federal document and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.—not by the Texas SOS.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil, Korea) require this federal apostille alongside Texas apostilles for vital records.

Guide: How to Apostille an FBI Background Check.

Texas Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration & Family Relocation

A family in The Woodlands relocating to Lisbon may need apostilled birth certificates for the children (state-registrar copies), an apostilled Harris County marriage certificate,and federally apostilled FBI reports for both parents. Schools abroad might also request an apostilled enrollment letter or a notarized vaccination affidavit (then apostilled). Watch 60–90 day issuance windows.

Study & Work Abroad

A UT Austin or Texas A&M graduate moving to Milan could be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized/apostilled scholarship letter, and a federally apostilled FBI check.Italy often requires certified translations—confirm whether to translate after apostille or to use a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.

Marriage Abroad

A couple from Dallas marrying in Florence or Tulum may need fresh apostilled birth certificates, an apostilled single-status affidavit (notarized in Texas), and an apostilled divorce decree if applicable.Civil registries abroad frequently enforce 90-day issuance windows; plan record orders accordingly.

Adoption

Adoption dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical and financial statements, employment letters, and apostilled vital records.For non-Hague countries, expect the two-step Texas authentication + consulate legalization route; sequencing and courier planning matter.

Dual Citizenship

Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish citizenship by descent usually requires multiple generations of Texas records—each apostilled—plus certified translations.Build the family chain first, then apostille in batches so issuance dates align and remain “fresh.”

Energy, Logistics & Tech

Cross-border supply agreements, engineering POAs, drilling or service authorizations, and distributor or reseller appointments often call for apostilled corporate resolutions, POAs, and technical attestations.Banks abroad can require apostilled Certificates of Fact—Status and officer identification affidavits before releasing funds.

Counties, Cities & Campuses Served

We serve the entire State of Texas, including but not limited to:

• Counties (examples): Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Travis, Collin, Denton, Fort Bend, Hidalgo, El Paso, Montgomery, Williamson, Cameron, Nueces, Galveston, Brazoria, Bell, Lubbock, McLennan, Hays, Jefferson, Smith, Webb, Brazos, Potter, Randall, Ector, Midland, Comal, Guadalupe.
• Cities/Towns: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock, Irving, Garland, Frisco, McKinney, Brownsville, Pasadena, Killeen, McAllen, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Waco, Carrollton, Denton, Midland, Odessa, Round Rock, Amarillo, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, San Marcos, College Station, New Braunfels.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): UT Austin, Texas A&M University, Rice University, University of Houston, Texas Tech University, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, Texas Christian University, University of North Texas, Texas State University, UT Dallas, UTSA, UTEP, UT Arlington, Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, Texas A&M–Kingsville, St. Mary’s University, Trinity University, Angelo State, Stephen F. Austin State, Sam Houston State, Lamar University, Prairie View A&M, Tarleton State, West Texas A&M, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College, Dallas College, Alamo Colleges.

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

Hague countries accept an apostille; non-Hague countries require a Texas authentication plus consular legalization.The route influences translation sequencing and appointment lead times at consulates.

• Hague Countries (examples): Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Poland, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand.
• Non-Hague Countries (examples): China, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Vietnam, Egypt, Kuwait. These typically require Texas authentication followed by consulate legalization.

We handle both pathways and provide same-day scans immediately after the state step so you can schedule consulates or upload to portals while originals are in transit.

Timelines, Dependencies & Risks

DIY by Mail: Budget 4–6+ weeks, including mailing time, agency queues, and potential returns for corrections. If you have fixed travel dates, closings, start dates, or interviews, mail-in can be risky unless you start early.

In-Person Filing: With complete readiness, many Texas apostilles complete in 24 hours or less.Pre-checking certification types, seals, registrar letters, and notary language is the best defense against delays.

Federal Track (FBI): The U.S. Department of State apostille process is separate from Texas’s. Run state and federal tracks in parallel when timing is tight.

Translations & Consulates: Sworn translations and consular legalizations add time. Confirm whether translations follow the apostille or require a translator affidavit (notarized and then apostilled).

Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending federal documents to Austin: FBI, IRS, USDA/FDA/NOAA, and SSA letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State—not by the Texas SOS.
• Submitting photocopies: Apostilles attach to certified copies or properly notarized originals—never to plain copies or scans.
• Incomplete notarization: Missing venue, incomplete certificate wording, no printed notary name, absent commission details, or missing stamp will trigger rejection.
• Opening sealed registrar packets: Don’t open them. If opened, obtain a new sealed packet from the school.
• Old vital records: If the recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, order fresh copies before filing.
• Wrong translation order: Clarify whether translations come after the apostille or via a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.
• Late starts: Embassy appointment backlogs and translation queues can add weeks. Start early or use expedited help.
• County vs. State confusion: Many marriage certificates should be county-certified; ensure you order from the correct office to match the recipient’s preference.

Readiness Checklist

• Is the document state/local (Texas) or federal?
• Do you have a certified copy (vital/court) or a properly notarized original (affidavit/POA)?
• For school records, did the registrar prepare a sealed packet or provide a signed registrar letter?
• For corporate records, do you have state-certified copies (Certificate of Fact—Status/Existence, certified filings) or notarized resolutions/officer statements?
• Is your destination Hague (apostille) or non-Hague (authentication + consular legalization)?
• Does the recipient require a freshness window (often 60–90 days)?
• Do you need translations, and what is the proper sequence relative to the apostille?
• What is your deadline (visa interview, start date, closing, enrollment)?
• Will same-day scans let you begin downstream steps while originals ship?

FAQ

Who issues Texas apostilles?

The Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit in Austin issues apostilles and authentications for Texas documents.

Do I need a county pre-certification step?

Generally no. Texas authenticates state officials, county/district clerks, school registrars, and notaries directly. The key is obtaining the correct certified copy or a proper notarization.

Can Texas apostille my FBI background check?

No. FBI background checks are federal documents and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

How fast can Texas apostilles be completed?

Mail-in often takes 4–6+ weeks. With readiness and in-person filing, same-day or 24-hour results are frequently achievable.

Do apostilles expire?

An apostille does not expire, but many consulates, schools, and banks require recent issuance of both the record and the apostille (commonly within 60–90 days).

Is shipping required?

No. We provide same-day scans. U.S. shipping of originals is optional ($20); international shipping available by quote.

Can you handle non-Hague legalizations?

Yes. We manage the Texas authentication and coordinate consulate legalization, including guidance on translation order and acceptable formats.

What if my notarized document was signed in another state?

Each state apostilles its own documents. A New Mexico– or Louisiana–notarized affidavit must be apostilled in that state, not in Texas.

What if my name changed after my document was issued?

You may need apostilled supporting records (e.g., marriage certificate, name-change order) to connect identities for the recipient abroad.

Can I remove staples or add tabs?

No. Do not alter official packets. Removing staples, adding tabs, or highlighting can invalidate certifications.

Are you a government office?

No. We are experts in Texas and federal filings, but we are not a government agency.

Related Guides

• Birth Certificate Apostille
• Marriage Certificate Apostille
• Divorce Decree Apostille
• Death Certificate Apostille
• Academic Diplomas & Transcripts Apostille
• FBI Background Check Apostille (Federal)
• Power of Attorney & Notarized Documents Apostille

Disclaimer: Requirements and timelines reflect common practices of the Texas Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State but may change without notice. Always verify destination-country preferences for issuance dates, translations, and consular steps.