Texas Death Certificate Apostille Guide
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If you need to use a Texas-issued death certificate in another country, you must have it authenticated by the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) through a Universal Apostille. The SOS is the only authority in Texas that issues apostilles and authentication certificates for public documents.
This guide—updated for 2025 and valid through 2026—explains how to prepare, where to send it, the required form, fees, and how to avoid rejection. Texas SOS – Apostille Overview
Who needs a Texas death certificate apostille
Common reasons include:
- Handling inheritance or estate affairs abroad
- Transferring property or insurance benefits overseas
- Family record registration in another country
- Immigration, citizenship, or legal procedures requiring proof of death
To be eligible, the document must be a certified long-form Texas death certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Records or by a county clerk's office.
Key facts at a glance
| Issuing Authority | Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit (sos.state.tx.us) |
| Certificate Type | Universal Apostille (Hague / non-Hague compatible) |
| State Fee (2025) | $15 per document standard |
| Adoption-related Docs | $10 per doc (max $100 per child) — not applicable here |
| Required Form | Form 2102 (Request for Universal Apostille) |
| Walk-In Hours | Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT |
| Walk-In Address | 1019 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550 |
| Phone (Contact) | (512) 463-5705 (9–12 a.m. / 1–4 p.m. CT) |
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Step-by-step: How to get a Texas death certificate apostille
- 1
Get a certified copy
Request a certified long-form copy of the death certificate from the Texas DSHS Vital Records or the county clerk that registered the death. Photocopies or short forms are not accepted.
- 2
Verify signatures and issuance
Ensure it's signed by the state registrar or local clerk recognized by the Texas SOS. If uncertain, contact the Authentications Unit for confirmation.
- 3
Complete Form 2102 (Request for Universal Apostille)
Download and fill Form 2102. List the destination country — this determines apostille vs authentication format. Keep a copy of your form.
- 4
Prepare payment
Include a check or money order for $15 per document, payable to the Texas Secretary of State. Credit cards are not accepted for mail submissions.
- 5
Include return shipping materials
Provide a prepaid return envelope or trackable carrier label (FedEx/UPS/USPS). Avoid handwritten airbills or labels marked "Bill Sender."
- 6
Submit your packet
Mail to: Authentications Unit, P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550.
Or walk in to: 1019 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701 (Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- 7
Processing and return
Mail-in requests may take up to 25 business days; walk-in submissions are faster depending on volume. Your apostille will arrive attached to the certified death certificate.
Checklist to avoid rejection
- Certified Texas death certificate (long form)
- Issued by an official recognized registrar or clerk
- Form 2102 completed with destination country
- Check/money order for $15 per document
- Prepaid return shipping enclosed (no "Bill Sender")
- Sent to correct Austin address / hours
- Document originates in Texas (SOS cannot apostille other states)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notarize a death certificate before apostille?▼
Can Texas apostille a death certificate from another state?▼
How long does it take?▼
What if the certificate is old or damaged?▼
Pro Tips
- Always write the destination country on Form 2102 clearly.
- Keep a digital scan of the form and check for records.
- Use trackable shipping both ways.
- If submitting multiple documents, separate each set clearly.
- Verify latest hours on the Authentications Unit page before travel.
Related Guides
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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