Texas Birth Certificate Apostille Guide
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If you need to use a Texas birth certificate outside the United States, the document must be authenticated by the Texas Secretary of State with a Universal Apostille. The SOS is the only authority in Texas that issues apostilles/certificates for public documents. This guide gives you the verified steps, forms, addresses, hours, fees, and a rejection-proof checklist—everything in one place, no tabs.
What you'll get on this page: who needs an apostille and why, the exact Texas forms to use (2102/2103), current walk-in hours and contact details in Austin, the correct mailing address, fees (including adoption fee cap), and pro tips straight from state guidance.
Who Needs a Texas Birth Certificate Apostille
People commonly need an apostille for: marriage abroad, study enrollment, work visas, immigration, dual citizenship, international adoption, and other legal procedures requiring official proof of birth outside the US. If you don't have a certified copy, order one from Texas DSHS Vital Statistics (long-form or short-form issued by the state or eligible local offices).
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Key Facts (at a Glance)
- Competent authority: Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit (issuing apostilles/certificates for Texas documents)
- Type issued: Universal Apostille (the SOS issues a single certificate that serves apostille or authentication, depending on the destination country)
- Standard fee: $15 per document (general use)
- Adoption fee: $10 per document, capped at $100 per child
- Core forms: Form 2102 (Request for Universal Apostille) and Form 2103 (Adoption)
- Walk-in hours (Austin): Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT. Authentications phone hours: 9:00–12:00 & 1:00–4:00
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Texas Apostille for a Birth Certificate
- 1
Obtain a certified copy of the Texas birth certificate
Not a photocopy. If the record is very old or damaged, consider ordering a fresh certified copy to avoid delays. Order options and record info: Texas DSHS Vital Statistics.
- 2
Complete the correct request form
Form 2102 — Request for Universal Apostille (general purposes).
Form 2103 — for international adoption cases.
Be sure to enter the destination country on the form. - 3
Prepare payment
For mail-in requests, pay by check or money order (payable to Texas Secretary of State). Credit cards are not accepted by mail (explicitly stated on Form 2102).
- 4
Include a return method
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope or a prepaid carrier label (FedEx/UPS/USPS). No handwritten airbills; keep your tracking number.
- 5
Submit your packet
Walk-in delivery address: Government Filings Division, Secretary of State, 1019 Brazos, Austin, TX 78701 (walk-in window). Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT.
Mailing address: Authentications Unit, Secretary of State, P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550.
Phone (Authentications): (512) 463-5705 (call hours posted by SOS).
- 6
Choose the right certificate type
For Hague Convention countries, the universal certificate functions as an apostille; for non-Hague destinations, it serves as a certificate of authentication. If unsure, confirm with the destination authority.
- 7
Track and receive
Use the carrier tracking you provided. Processing times vary by volume; walk-in service is subject to posted office hours and workload. (The SOS does not promise specific turnaround times on its website.)
Checklist to Avoid Rejections
- Certified Texas birth certificate (no photocopies)
- Correct form: 2102 (general) or 2103 (adoption). Destination country filled in
- Payment by check/money order (for mail). No credit cards by mail
- Self-addressed return: stamped envelope or prepaid label (no handwritten airbills). Track it
- Walk-in or mailing address matches SOS instructions; hours checked
Fees & Adoption Specifics (Plain-English)
$15
Per document
$10
Per document, capped at $100 per child
These amounts and the cap are set on the SOS site under the universal apostille instructions.
Addresses, Hours & Contact (Copy-Paste Ready)
Government Filings Division
Secretary of State
1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701
Walk-in hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT
Authentications Unit
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13550
Austin, TX 78711-3550
Authentications Unit phone: (512) 463-5705
Hours: 9:00–12:00 & 1:00–4:00 CT, Mon–Fri
FAQ (Texas Specifics)
Do I need to notarize a certified birth certificate before apostille?▼
Can Texas apostille a birth certificate issued in another state?▼
Apostille vs Authentication—what's the difference here?▼
How do I get a certified copy if I don't have one?▼
Can I pay by credit card when I mail my request?▼
Any packaging tips to speed return?▼
Verified Sources (State Links)
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Sources & Methodology
Official Sources
- Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit
- Texas DSHS — Vital Statistics
- Federal Hague Convention Guidelines
Our Process
- Daily verification against official SOS updates
- Expert review by Texas notary specialists
- Fee and form version monitoring (Form 2102/2103)
Disclaimer: This information is general guidance and not legal advice. Always verify current information directly with the Texas Secretary of State before submitting your application.
Verification & Updates Log
Tracking content accuracy and improvements
- 2026-02-20Verified
Confirmed current Texas SOS fees ($15/doc) and Form 2102 requirements
- 2026-01-12Verified
Verified Austin walk-in office hours and payment methods (check/money order only by mail)
- 2026-01-05Verified
Confirmed mailing address for Authentications Unit (P.O. Box 13550)
- 2025-12-28Improved
Updated adoption fee structure and Form 2103 guidance
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