How long does the Texas apostille process take?

Mail submissions to the Texas SOS take approximately 10 business days after receipt. In-person submissions at the Austin office can be processed same-day. Rush in-person submission is available as part of our Rush Apostille service.

Can you apostille a birth certificate or marriage certificate?

Yes — but these are recordable documents which means they must first be obtained as certified copies from the county or state agency that issued them. Once you have the certified copy I handle the rest of the process including county authentication and SOS submission.

Which countries accept a Texas apostille?

Over 120 countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention accept apostilles including Mexico, the UK, all EU countries, Canada, Australia, and many more. For countries not in the Hague Convention additional authentication from the U.S. State Department is required — I can assist with preparation for this process as well.

What if my document is in another language?

If your document needs to be submitted with a translation, the translation must be notarized — specifically I must witness the translator sign the translation. The original document and the notarized translation are submitted together for apostille.

Can I just go to the Texas SOS myself?

Yes, you can submit directly to the SOS yourself. Where CandaceJ Notary adds value is ensuring your document is prepared and notarized correctly before submission — an incorrect or incomplete notarial certificate is the most common reason apostille requests are rejected, which costs you time and money.

Texas Documents Prepared for International Use — Start to Finish.

Apostille Preparation Services

CandaceJ Notary handles the full apostille preparation process for your Texas documents — from proper notarization to Texas Secretary of State submission. Whether you are moving abroad, handling international business, or navigating immigration paperwork, I make sure your documents are prepared correctly the first time.

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Learn how it works

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certification issued by a government authority that authenticates a document for use in a foreign country. The United States participates in the 1961 Hague Convention which means U.S. documents with an apostille are accepted in over 120 member countries including Mexico, the United Kingdom, all European Union nations, Canada, and many more. In Texas the only authority that can issue an apostille is the Office of the Texas Secretary of State. The apostille certifies the authenticity of the notary's signature and seal — not the content of the document itself.

Apostille

Authentication

Used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention — over 120 countries. A single apostille certificate is sufficient.

Used for countries NOT in the Hague Convention. Requires additional certification from the U.S. State Department after the Texas apostille. CandaceJ Notary can assist with preparation for both.

Step 1

Document Evaluation

I review your document to determine whether it is a recordable or non-recordable document. This determines the correct preparation process. Recordable documents such as birth certificates must come from the issuing government authority. Non-recordable documents such as powers of attorney can be notarized by me.

Step 3

County Clerk Authentication

In Texas the document must be authenticated by the County Clerk of the county where the notary is commissioned before going to the state. I handle this step on your behalf. Fee is approximately $3 to $5.

Step 5

Texas SOS Submission

I submit your document to the Texas Secretary of State Authentications Unit in Austin either in person for same-day or rush processing or by mail for standard processing. State fee is $15 per document.

The Texas Apostille Process

Here is exactly what happens from start to finish.

Step 2

Notarization

For non-recordable documents I properly notarize the document with a complete and accurate notarial certificate, my signature, and my official seal. This step is critical — an incorrect notarization is the most common reason apostille requests are rejected.

Step 4

Form 2102 Completion

I complete the Texas Secretary of State Form 2102 Request for Universal Apostille including the destination country for your document.

Step 6

Document Return

Your apostilled document is returned to you via secure delivery. In-person submissions can be same-day. Mail submissions take approximately 10 business days.

Personal Documents

Power of Attorney — General Durable and Medical.
Birth Certificate — must be certified copy from county.
Marriage and Divorce Certificate.
Adoption Documents.
Criminal Background Check.
School Diplomas and Transcripts.
Identification Documents.
Immigration Affidavits.

Common Apostille Document Types

Important: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and court orders are recordable documents. They must be obtained as certified copies from the issuing government authority before apostille submission. CandaceJ Notary cannot create certified copies of these documents.

Business Documents

Business Contracts and Agreements.
Articles of Incorporation or Formation.
Corporate Resolutions.
Certificate of Good Standing.
Affidavits and Sworn Statements.
Translated Documents — notarized translation required.
Financial Documents.
Real Estate Documents for International Use.

Standard Apostille Preparation

Document evaluation, notarization of non-recordable documents, Form 2102 completion, County Clerk authentication, and mail submission to Texas SOS. Estimated turnaround 10 to 15 business days.

$75 service fee + $15 SOS fee + $3–$5 county fee per document.

Apostille Service Pricing

Additional documents requiring translation must be accompanied by a notarized translation. CandaceJ Notary can notarize translator signatures but does not provide translation services. Texas SOS fees are set by the State of Texas and are subject to change.

All state and county fees are passed through at cost — no markup.

Rush Apostille — In Person Submission

Everything in Standard plus in-person submission to Texas SOS in Austin for same-day processing. Ideal for urgent immigration, adoption, or business deadlines.

$150 service fee + $15 SOS fee + $3–$5 county fee per document.

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Multiple Documents

Apostille preparation for 3 or more documents submitted together. Discounted service fee applies. Ideal for adoption packages, immigration document sets, or business document bundles.

Contact for quote.

Frequently asked questions

Apostille Questions