Apostille Services in Austin
Get your documents authenticated for international use without leaving home. We notarize, certify, and submit to the Texas Secretary of State on your behalf — with pickup, drop-off, or email options available.
An apostille is a specialized government-issued certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document so it is legally recognized in foreign countries. Think of it as an internationally accepted “stamp of legitimacy” for your paperwork.
The apostille system was created by the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents — a treaty now signed by more than 120 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and most of Europe. When a country is a member of the Hague Convention, an apostille is all you need. No embassy visits. No consulate legalization. Just the apostille certificate.
In Texas, apostilles are issued exclusively by the Texas Secretary of State’s office in Austin. A notary public — like Fast Mobile Notary — first notarizes the underlying document (or certifies a copy), and then the Secretary of State authenticates the notary’s credentials by attaching the apostille certificate.
Who Needs an Apostille in Texas?
Residents of Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and surrounding Travis and Williamson County communities frequently need apostilles for a wide range of personal, legal, and business purposes. Here are the most common situations:
Foreign Marriage
Getting married abroad? Many countries require an apostilled copy of your birth certificate, proof of single status, or divorce decree before they will issue a marriage license to a foreign national.
International Education
Universities, graduate programs, and professional licensing boards in foreign countries often require apostilled academic transcripts, diplomas, and degree certificates for enrollment or credential recognition.
Work Visas & Immigration
Foreign work permits, residency visas, and immigration applications frequently require apostilled background check reports, birth certificates, and other vital records from your home country.
International Business
Companies expanding overseas, opening bank accounts in foreign countries, or executing international contracts may need apostilled corporate documents such as articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, and powers of attorney.
Foreign Court Proceedings
Legal matters in another country — including inheritance disputes, child custody, property transactions, and probate proceedings — routinely require apostilled affidavits, court orders, and official certificates.
Adoption Abroad
International adoption processes require extensive apostilled documentation including home studies, background checks, financial statements, and medical records to satisfy the requirements of both countries.
Foreign Property Purchase
Purchasing real estate in another country typically requires apostilled proof of identity, financial documents, and powers of attorney authorizing a representative to act on your behalf.
Power of Attorney
If you need someone to manage affairs — sign contracts, handle finances, or make decisions — on your behalf in another country, your power of attorney document must be notarized and apostilled.
How to Get an Apostille in Texas: The Complete Process
The Texas apostille process involves several steps across multiple agencies. Fast Mobile Notary handles the heavy lifting for Travis and Williamson County residents so you never have to navigate government offices alone.
Determine If Your Document Qualifies
Not all documents are eligible for a Texas apostille. The Texas Secretary of State can only apostille documents issued in Texas or notarized by a current Texas notary public. Documents issued by federal agencies (such as FBI background checks or federal court documents) must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. — we can advise you on the right route for your specific document.
Notarization by a Texas-Commissioned Notary
Most private documents — powers of attorney, affidavits, sworn statements, contracts, and business documents — must first be notarized by a Texas-commissioned notary public before they can receive an apostille. This is where Fast Mobile Notary comes in. We travel to your home, office, or any location in Travis or Williamson County to notarize your documents correctly the first time. Vital records issued by government offices (birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates) are already considered “public documents” and generally do not require separate notarization — though you must obtain a certified copy directly from the issuing county clerk’s office, not a photocopy.
Submission to the Texas Secretary of State
Once your document is notarized (or confirmed as a certified government record), it must be submitted to the Texas Secretary of State’s Authentications Unit in Austin. The Secretary of State verifies the notary’s credentials on file and attaches the official apostille certificate. As of 2025, the Texas Secretary of State charges $15 per document. Fast Mobile Notary can submit documents on your behalf, saving you the trip to the Capitol Complex and the time spent navigating the submission process.
Processing & Return of Your Apostilled Documents
Standard processing at the Texas Secretary of State typically takes 3–5 business days after receipt. Expedited options may be available. Once your document is apostilled, we return it to you via your preferred method — in-person delivery, FedEx, UPS, or USPS with tracking. Rush same-day submission and express shipping are available for time-sensitive matters.
Translation (If Required by Destination Country)
Some destination countries require that your documents be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country. The apostille itself does not require translation — only the underlying document may need one. If you need translation services, we can refer you to certified translation professionals in the Austin area. Contact us and we’ll help coordinate the full process end-to-end.