Verified November 2025 — Valid for 2025–2026
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
Common reasons include:
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.
| 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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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.
Ensure it's signed by the state registrar or local clerk recognized by the Texas SOS. If uncertain, contact the Authentications Unit for confirmation.
Download and fill Form 2102. List the destination country — this determines apostille vs authentication format. Keep a copy of your form.
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.
Provide a prepaid return envelope or trackable carrier label (FedEx/UPS/USPS). Avoid handwritten airbills or labels marked "Bill Sender."
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.).
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.
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Get My Custom GuideThis page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify fees, forms and addresses on official Texas Secretary of State and DSHS websites.
Last Updated: November 12, 2025 | Valid for: 2025–2026
Reviewed by: Compliance Editor — Apostille Pro USA