How to Get an Apostille in Texas (2026 Guide)

An apostille is an official certification that authenticates a Texas document for use in another country. Whether you need to apostille a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, or notarized document, the process in Texas runs through the Texas Secretary of State — and it involves specific requirements, fees, and timelines that most people don't know until something goes wrong.

This 2026 guide covers everything: which documents qualify, the exact Texas Secretary of State apostille process, current processing times, costs, and how to get apostille services in Kyle, TX and throughout Hays County without delays.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille (from the French word meaning "certification") is an internationally recognized authentication stamp issued under the Hague Convention of 1961. It verifies that a public document — such as a birth certificate, notarized affidavit, or court record — is genuine and was issued by a legitimate authority.

The apostille does NOT translate a document or verify its content. It only certifies that the official signature, seal, or stamp on the document is authentic.

Texas is a signatory to the Hague Convention, which means Texas-issued documents apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State are accepted in all 120+ Hague member countries — including Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Germany, and Italy.

Which Documents Can Be Apostilled in Texas?

Not all documents can be apostilled directly. The Texas Secretary of State only apostilles documents with an official Texas government signature or seal.

Documents that CAN be apostilled:

•Birth certificates (issued by Texas DSHS or local county clerks)

•Death certificates

•Marriage certificates

•Divorce decrees

•Court documents and judgments

•Notarized documents (signed by a Texas notary)

•Texas corporate documents (certificates of good standing, etc.)

•FBI background checks (apostilled through the U.S. Department of State, not Texas SOS)

•Diplomas and transcripts (must be notarized first by a Texas notary)

•Power of attorney documents (must be notarized first)

Documents that CANNOT be apostilled directly:

•Federal documents (FBI records, federal court orders) — go to U.S. Department of State

•Documents from other states — must be apostilled by that state's authority

•Private documents without a notary seal

•Photocopies without original certification

The Texas Secretary of State Apostille Process (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps exactly. The Texas Secretary of State will reject applications that are incomplete or use the wrong document version.

Obtain the original document — You need the original certified document — not a photocopy. For vital records (birth, death, marriage), obtain a certified copy from Texas DSHS or the county clerk. For notarized documents, the original notarized version is required.

Notarize if required — Documents that are not already government-issued (diplomas, private contracts, powers of attorney) must be notarized by a commissioned Texas notary before submission. Need notarization? Eleven Processing offers same-week notary services in Kyle, TX.

Complete the Texas SOS Apostille Request Form — Download the current Authentication Request Form from the Texas Secretary of State website. Include the name of the destination country — this is required.

Submit to the Texas Secretary of State — Mail or deliver in person to: Texas Secretary of State, Certifications Unit, P.O. Box 12887, Austin, TX 78711-2887. Walk-in submissions: 1019 Brazos St., Austin, TX.

Pay the filing fee — Current fee: $15 per document. Payment by check or money order payable to "Secretary of State." Exact change only for in-person submissions.

Receive your apostilled document — Processing times vary (see section below). The Texas SOS will return the original document with the apostille certificate attached.

Texas Apostille Processing Times in 2026

Processing times at the Texas Secretary of State vary depending on submission method and volume:

•Walk-in (in person, Austin): Same day or next business day

•Mail submission: 10–15 business days (standard); can extend to 30+ days during peak periods

•Expedited mail: Not officially offered by Texas SOS — expediting requires in-person submission or using a professional apostille service

For urgent apostilles, Eleven Processing offers same-week apostille services throughout Hays County — we handle the trip to Austin so you don't have to.

How Much Does an Apostille Cost in Texas?

The Texas Secretary of State charges $15 per document for apostille authentication. This fee covers only the apostille certificate — it does not include:

•Cost of obtaining the original certified document (varies by agency)

•Notarization fees (if the document requires notarization first)

•Mailing costs for submission and return

•Translation fees (if the destination country requires a translated copy)

•Professional apostille service fees

Total costs for a complete apostille typically range from $75 to $200 depending on the document type and urgency. Contact us for a free quote.

Common Apostille Mistakes That Cause Rejection

The Texas SOS returns rejected applications without processing the fee refund. Avoid these common errors.

•Submitting a photocopy instead of an original certified document

•Forgetting to notarize documents that require notarization first (diplomas, private documents)

•Not including the destination country on the application form

•Incorrect payment method — only checks or money orders, no cash by mail

•Missing signature on the application form

•Sending federal documents to Texas SOS — these go to the U.S. Department of State

•Using an outdated version of the SOS form

Apostille vs. Authentication — What's the Difference?

An apostille is used when the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention (120+ countries, including Mexico, Spain, and most of Europe and Latin America).

Authentication (also called legalization) is used when the destination country is NOT a Hague member — such as China, UAE, Kuwait, or Vietnam. This is a longer process involving the Texas SOS, the U.S. Department of State, and the destination country's consulate.

Eleven Processing can assist with both apostilles and authentication/legalization services. Contact us to confirm which process your destination country requires.

Apostille Services in Kyle, TX and Hays County

Getting an apostille in Texas requires a trip to Austin, specific documents, exact payment, and knowledge of which form version is current. A single error means starting over.

Eleven Processing & Consulting LLC in Kyle, TX provides professional apostille services for clients throughout Hays County — Kyle, San Marcos, Buda, Austin, and Dripping Springs. We handle document review, notarization when needed, submission to the Texas Secretary of State, and return of your apostilled documents. We serve clients in English and Spanish.

Request Apostille Service

FAQ — Apostille Texas

How long does an apostille take in Texas in 2026?

Walk-in submissions at the Texas Secretary of State in Austin are processed same-day or next business day. Mail submissions take 10–15 business days under normal conditions. Eleven Processing offers same-week apostille services throughout Hays County.

How much does an apostille cost in Texas?

The Texas Secretary of State charges $15 per document. Total costs including notarization and professional assistance typically range from $75 to $200. Contact us for a free quote.

Can I get an apostille for a birth certificate in Texas?

Yes. Texas birth certificates issued by Texas DSHS or a county clerk can be apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State. You will need an original certified copy — not a photocopy.

Does a document need to be notarized before getting an apostille in Texas?

Only if it is not already a government-issued certified document. Birth certificates, death certificates, and court documents do not need notarization. Diplomas, powers of attorney, and private documents must be notarized first.

Can Eleven Processing handle apostilles for documents in Spanish?

Yes. We provide apostille services in English and Spanish and can assist with translation requirements for the destination country.

Need to transfer a mobile home title in Texas? See our complete TDHCA title transfer guide.

*Serving Kyle, San Marcos, Buda, Dripping Springs, and all of Hays County. Se Habla Español. Call (512) 589-8480.*