How to Get an Apostille in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're sending documents to another country — for a work visa, dual citizenship, an international marriage, adoption, or school enrollment abroad — you may be asked for an "apostille." It sounds complicated, but the process is very manageable once you know the steps. As a mobile notary based in El Paso serving the whole border region, apostilles are my specialty, and this guide walks you through exactly how it works in Texas. (Se habla español — I'm happy to help you in English or Spanish.)

What is an apostille, exactly?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document so it can be legally recognized in another country that belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention. Instead of a long chain of certifications, the apostille is a single, internationally accepted seal. In Texas, apostilles are issued by the Texas Secretary of State. If the destination country is NOT part of the Hague Convention, the document goes through a different "authentication" process instead — I can help you figure out which one you need.

Step 1 — Identify your document type

Apostilles are commonly needed for two categories: notarized documents (powers of attorney, affidavits, parental consent letters, business documents) and vital or public records (birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and diplomas or transcripts). Vital records usually must be certified copies issued by the state or county — a photocopy will not qualify. Knowing your document type determines what has to happen before the state will attach the apostille.

Step 2 — Get the document properly notarized (if required)

If your document needs a notarization — like a power of attorney or an affidavit — it must be signed in front of a commissioned notary with the correct notarial wording. This is where a mistake most often causes a rejection: wrong wording, a missing date, or an expired commission. As a licensed, bonded, and insured Texas notary, I make sure the notarization is done correctly the first time, in person across El Paso or online nationwide through Remote Online Notarization (RON).

Step 3 — Submit to the Texas Secretary of State

Once your document is ready, it's submitted to the Texas Secretary of State for the apostille. You can mail it in or, in some cases, process it in person in Austin. Processing times vary by season and by how the request is submitted, so it's smart to plan ahead if you have a travel or filing deadline. This is the step where many people get stuck — I can prepare and organize the submission so nothing gets bounced back.

Step 4 — Translations, if the destination country requires them

Many countries require a certified translation of your document to accompany the apostille. I offer certified translations, so your English document and its Spanish (or other language) translation can be prepared together and handled as one project instead of juggling multiple vendors.

How long does it take?

Timelines depend on the document type, whether notarization or a certified copy is needed first, and current state processing volumes. A single notarized document is usually faster than a batch of vital records that must first be ordered from the state. When you contact me, I'll give you a realistic estimate up front and flag anything that could slow things down.

Let me handle the details for you

Apostilles have a lot of small requirements, and one small error can cost you weeks. I take the guesswork out of it — from correct notarization to submission and certified translation — for clients in El Paso, Las Cruces, and beyond. Mobile appointments and online notarization are available, and I'm bilingual, so we can work in English or Spanish.

I am a notary public — I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.