What Documents Can Be Apostilled in Texas?

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What Documents Can Be Apostilled in Texas?

Before you spend time and money mailing paperwork, it helps to know one simple thing:

Can this document actually be apostilled?

Texas can issue apostilles for many different document types—but not every paper in your file qualifies. This guide gives a practical overview of which documents can be apostilled in Texas and what conditions they must meet.

Section 1 – General Rule: The Document Must Be Official and Texas-Based

To be apostilled in Texas, a document generally must:

  • be issued in the State of Texas, and
  • bear the original signature and/or seal of a recognized Texas public official, or
  • be properly notarized by a Texas notary public.

Texas cannot apostille documents that were issued in another state or country. Those must be apostilled by their own issuing authority.

Section 2 – Vital Records That Can Be Apostilled

Common vital records include:

  • Birth certificates – issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services or county clerks.
  • Marriage certificates – issued by Texas county clerks.
  • Death certificates – certified copies issued by state or local offices.
  • Divorce decrees – final orders signed by a Texas judge.

These documents must be certified copies with visible seals and signatures. Photocopies and decorative certificates are not acceptable.

Section 3 – Court Documents

Many legal matters require apostilled court records, such as:

  • final divorce decrees,
  • adoption orders,
  • name change orders,
  • probate or guardianship orders, and
  • judgments or other signed orders.

These must be certified by the court clerk or signed by the presiding judge in Texas, depending on the type of record and the state’s rules.

Section 4 – Educational Documents

For study abroad, work visas, or credential evaluation, people often need apostilles for:

  • high school diplomas and transcripts,
  • college or university diplomas,
  • university transcripts, and
  • letters of enrollment or good standing.

Educational documents follow one of two paths:

  • They are certified directly by the issuing school or university, or
  • they are notarized by a Texas notary after the school official signs an appropriate statement.

Each institution may have its own policy, so it’s best to check with the registrar’s office before preparing your apostille.

Section 5 – Notarized Documents

Texas can also apostille many documents that have been notarized by a Texas notary public, including:

  • powers of attorney,
  • affidavits,
  • letters of consent (for travel or guardianship),
  • business agreements,
  • personal statements and declarations, and
  • copies of passports or IDs, if properly notarized.

The notary must complete the proper certificate language and include their signature, seal, and commission details. Incomplete notarial blocks are a common reason for rejection.

Section 6 – Business and Corporate Documents

Companies often need apostilled documents when they:

  • open foreign branches or bank accounts,
  • sign contracts with overseas partners, or
  • participate in international tenders.

Typical corporate documents include:

  • certificates of formation or good standing,
  • board resolutions,
  • company bylaws or operating agreements,
  • commercial invoices, and
  • agency or representation agreements.

Some of these documents are issued directly by Texas state agencies; others are notarized corporate records prepared by company officers and then apostilled.

Section 7 – Documents That Usually Cannot Be Apostilled

People are often surprised to learn that certain items are not eligible for apostille, such as:

  • credit cards or bank cards,
  • driver licenses or ID cards themselves (though copies can sometimes be notarized),
  • personal letters with no notarization,
  • documents issued in another state or country, and
  • documents without original signatures or seals.

In some cases, you can create a notarized affidavit that describes or attaches the information, and that notarized affidavit can be apostilled instead.

Section 8 – Do Translations Need to Be Apostilled Too?

Many documents require translation into another language. In most situations:

  • the original English document receives the apostille, and
  • the translation is certified by a translator or notary according to the receiving country’s rules.

Some countries, however, also require the translator’s statement to be notarized and apostilled. Always follow the specific instructions from the consulate or agency.

Section 9 – How Many Copies Should You Apostille?

If multiple agencies, consulates, or schools all need the same record, it is usually safer to:

  • order several certified copies of the original document, and
  • apostille each copy separately.

This way, you can send documents to different offices at the same time without waiting for one to be returned before sending it to the next place.

Section 10 – Quick Checklist: Is My Document Ready for Apostille?

  • Is the document issued in Texas or notarized by a Texas notary?
  • Does it have an original signature and, when appropriate, a seal?
  • Is it a certified copy for vital records and court documents?
  • Is the notary block complete, with seal and commission details?
  • Is the document in good physical condition?

If you can say “yes” to these questions, your document is likely a good candidate for apostille.

Section 11 – Summary

  • Texas can apostille many vital records, court orders, school records, notarized documents, and corporate papers.
  • The document must be officially issued or notarized in Texas and carry the correct signatures or seals.
  • Informal papers, personal letters, and out-of-state records cannot be apostilled by Texas.
  • When in doubt, ask before mailing your originals—verifying eligibility first can save weeks of time.
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