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.
The Three-Step Process
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
Important: Not every country requires Step 3. We will advise you based on your destination country.
Documents We Commonly Prepare for Apostille
- Powers of Attorney
- Affidavits
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates (after county or state certification)
- Corporate documents
- Educational documents
- Court documents
- Export documents
What We Provide
- 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
Recommended Process
- Contact us with details about your document and destination country
- We confirm whether we can notarize the document and provide a quote
- Schedule the notarization (mobile or RON)
- Receive your notarized document plus detailed submission instructions
- Submit to the Texas Secretary of State
- Complete any required final legalization at the foreign consulate (if needed)
Current Processing Notes (2026)
- Texas SOS apostille processing times vary (typically 5-15 business days for standard service)
- Some countries have specific formatting or additional requirements
- Fees and procedures can change - verify current requirements before submission
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current procedures with the Texas Secretary of State and the relevant foreign consulate.