Authentication of Documents - Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to our Frequently Asked Questions are provided for informational purposes and are not intended to provide legal advice or to substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you have specific legal questions, consult your attorney.
- Documents originating in a court, clerk of a court, public prosecutor or process server,
- administrative documents,
- notarial acts,
- official certificates placed on documents
+ What is an Apostille? What is an Authentication?
An apostille and an authentication are two styles of certificates that can be attached to your public records to validate that they are from Texas. Both styles of certificates validate the origin of your public record that you want to use in another country. For more information on Apostilles, please review the ABC's of Apostilles (PDF).
+ Do I need an Apostille or an Authentication?
Our office issues a single certificate universal Apostille that can serve the purpose of either certificate.
+ How do I get a Universal Apostille?
Please review the instructions listed on our Request an Apostille page.
+ What is a Universal Apostille?
A universal Apostille is a certificate that we attach to your public records to indicate to other countries that your documents are from Texas. The universal Apostille operates as an apostille for countries that are party to the Apostille Convention and operates as an authentication for countries that are not party to the Apostille Convention. See a sample.
+ Why does your office place a red stamp on the Universal Apostille and my public record?
The red stamp is a fraud prevention mechanism.
+ Do I need to get my universal Apostille authenticated by the U.S. State Department?
If the country your documents are going to is not a party to the Apostille Convention, you likely need to get your universal Apostille validated by the Office of Authentications with the U.S. State Department. Review whether the country your documents will go to is party to the Apostille Convention. You may wish to seek guidance from a private attorney if you have additional questions.
+ How much does a Universal Apostille cost? How can I pay for one?
$15.00 per universal Apostille, unless the universal Apostille is for use in adoption proceedings. If the universal Apostille is requested for an adoption proceeding, the fee is $10.00 per universal Apostille, and the total fees may not exceed $100.00 for the adoption of each child. Mailed Requests: Payment is accepted by check/money order or SOSDirect client account. Walk in Requests: Cash (exact fee only), check/money order, or funding an SOSDirect client account. Checks and money orders should be in favor of the "Secretary of State of Texas".
+ What kind of public records can I get a Universal Apostille for?
+ How can I get a Universal Apostille for a school transcript or diploma?
Please review our instructions to request school transcripts and diplomas.
+ How can I get a Universal Apostille for a notarized document?
Please review our instructions to request a universal Apostille for a notarized document.
+ If I have two documents issued by the same agency/officer, do I need two Apostilles?
This is a question that should be directed to the authorities in the receiving country in which the documents will be deposited.
+ What if my documents need to be translated?
If a document needs to be translated, a notary will need to witness the translator sign the translation. The document being translated must be submitted with the notarized translation for authentication.
+ Will you issue a Universal Apostille on a public record where the stamp of office is not affixed?
No, the Apostille that is issued states on it that the document bears the stamp of office so therefore the stamp needs to be on the document itself.
+ Can I get a Universal Apostille for my business filing that is filed with the Office of the Secretary of State?
A universal Apostille may be issued for certified copies of business organization documents on file with the Secretary of State, like certificates of formation. They may also be issued for certificates of fact issued by the Secretary of State evidencing facts from the records on file with the agency. If you need a certificate of fact or certified copies of business documents on file with our office apostilled or authenticated for use out of the country, please email your request to our Certifying team.
