How to Obtain an Apostille for Texas Documentation

An apostille is a seal certifying the authenticity of a notarized document for international use. If you live in Texas and need this document, follow these steps.

Determine for which legal documents you will need an apostille issued by the Texas Secretary of State. For explanation purposes only, we will use a Texas-issued birth certificate.
2

Obtain a recently certified copy of a Texas Birth Certificate from the issuing County Clerk´s Office. When applying for the certified copy, state the reason on the application as ¨Apostille.¨ There is a nominal fee for this; check with the County Clerk´s Office for cost.
3

Prepare the documentation to be mailed. Include the original copy, along with the name of the country the documentation will be presented in.
4

Enclose the $15 statutory fee for each certificate requiring an apostille. You can send a check, money order or your credit card information. Do not send cash by mail.
5

Remember to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or pre-paid overnight airbill/envelope.