Acquiring a Texas Apostille
Updated: 24 hours ago
The Texas Secretary of State's Authentications Unit issues apostilles for documents issued in Texas or notarized by a Texas notary.
Texas apostilles come from the Secretary of State’s Authentications Unit. Only originals and recent certified copies qualify, and copies are not apostilled.
What the Texas Secretary of State will apostille
Original Texas-issued documents or Texas-issued certified copies
Original documents notarized by a Texas notary public
Certified records issued within the past five years (the Secretary of State's stated requirement)
It does not apostille federal documents such as FBI background checks, or documents from other states or countries. Documents for use inside the United States or its territories are not apostilled. For out of state documents, see our guide to getting an apostille for a document issued in another state.
Electronic and remote notarizations
The Secretary of State can apostille remote online notarizations if you provide the notarization ledger and a notarial certificate stating the document was notarized by electronic or online notarization by two-way audio and visual communication. Some countries do not accept online notarizations, so confirm with the receiving authority first. See remote online notarization for American expats abroad.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates
Texas records must be certified copies issued within the past five years. Order a fresh certified copy if yours is older, and read our guide to long form vs short form birth certificates before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mail a photocopy?
No. Mailed requests must include the original Texas-issued document, a Texas-issued certified copy, or an original Texas-notarized document. Copies are not apostilled.
Can someone else submit for me?
Texas lists no relationship requirement on its request page, and many people use a representative. See can someone get an apostille for me.
Does my apostille expire?
The apostille has no expiration date, but the receiving country may require a recent document. See does an apostille expire.
Need a Texas apostille handled for you?
American Apostille handles Texas apostilles along with those from every other state and the federal government, for clients across the United States and abroad. Contact us with your document and destination country, and we will confirm the route before we start. Pay after it's done. No upfront payment.
Sources
Last reviewed October 2026. Confirm with the state before you send anything. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Comments