# Texas Apostille Process Guide

**Prepared by iNotariz, LLC**

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## What is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a government authority that authenticates the origin of a public document (such as a notarized document) so it can be recognized in another country.

Texas follows the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents that receive a Texas apostille are accepted in all other member countries without further legalization.

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## The Three-Step Process

Most international documents require three sequential steps:

### Step 1: Notarization (Completed by iNotariz)
- Your document must be properly notarized in Texas.
- We handle this step with precision and provide the correct notarial language.

### Step 2: Apostille from the Texas Secretary of State
- After notarization, the document is submitted to the Texas Secretary of State’s office.
- They verify the notary’s commission and attach the apostille certificate.

### Step 3: Final Legalization (If Required)
- Some countries require an additional step after the apostille.
- This usually involves submitting the apostilled document to that country’s consulate or embassy in the United States for final legalization.

**Important:** Not every country requires Step 3. We will advise you based on your destination country.

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## Documents We Commonly Prepare for Apostille

- Powers of Attorney
- Affidavits
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates (after being certified by the county or state)
- Corporate documents (Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, etc.)
- Educational documents (diplomas, transcripts)
- Court documents
- Export documents

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## What We Provide

When you work with iNotariz for apostille-related work, you receive:

- Proper Texas notarization with correct certificate language
- Clear, written instructions for submitting to the Texas Secretary of State
- A customized checklist for your specific destination country (if Step 3 is required)
- Guidance on timing and current processing fees (these change periodically)
- Professional handling and clear communication throughout

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## Recommended Process

1. **Contact us** with details about your document and destination country.
2. We will confirm whether we can notarize the document and provide a quote.
3. Schedule the notarization (mobile or RON).
4. Receive your notarized document + detailed submission instructions.
5. Submit to the Texas Secretary of State (we can advise on the fastest current method).
6. Complete any required final legalization at the foreign consulate (if needed).

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## Current Processing Notes (as of 2026)

- Texas Secretary of State apostille processing times vary (typically 5–15 business days for standard service; expedited options may be available).
- Some countries have specific formatting or additional requirements.
- Fees and procedures can change — we always recommend verifying current requirements before submission.

We stay current on these requirements and will provide the most up-to-date guidance available at the time of your request.

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## Contact Us

For apostille support or to schedule notarization:

**Margaret Josey**  
Margaret@iNotariz.com  
469.774.3370

**Jeremy Josey**  
Jeremy@iNotariz.com  
214.235.2483

We are happy to answer questions before you begin the process.

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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements can vary by document type and destination country. Always verify current procedures with the Texas Secretary of State and the relevant foreign consulate.*