Texas Diploma Apostille Guide
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If you earned a high-school, college, or university diploma in Texas and need to present it abroad, you must obtain a Universal Apostille from the Texas Secretary of State (SOS). The SOS is the only state authority that issues apostilles/authentication certificates for Texas documents.
This guide—updated for 2025 and valid through 2026—covers what's different about school records (diplomas/transcripts), including notarization requirements, the correct SOS request form, official fees, and walk-in/mail submission details, all with exact addresses and hours.
Who Needs a Texas Diploma Apostille
Typical scenarios: studying or working abroad, professional licensing, immigration/dual citizenship, or credential evaluation by foreign authorities. Because diplomas/transcripts are not "vital records" issued by a county/state registrar, Texas generally processes them as notarized documents (the SOS authenticates the Texas notary's signature attached to your diploma/transcript).
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Key Facts at a Glance
- Competent authority: Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit (sole issuer of apostilles/authentications for Texas documents)
- Certificate type: Universal Apostille (works as apostille for Hague countries; as authentication for non-Hague)
- Standard state fee: $15 per document
- Core form: Form 2102 — Request for Universal Apostille (Form 2103 is for adoption cases, rarely relevant to diplomas)
- Walk-in address & hours: 1019 Brazos, Austin, TX 78701 | Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT (Authentications phone hours: 9–12 & 1–4)
- Mailing address: Authentications Unit, P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550
Step-by-Step: How to Apostille a Texas Diploma or Transcript
- 1
Obtain the document from your Texas school
Request your diploma (original or duplicate) and/or official transcript from the issuing high school/college/university.
- 2
Get it notarized (required for school records)
Ask the registrar or designated office to notarize the diploma or transcript (or a registrar's certification of record). Many Texas institutions provide on-site notarization for apostille purposes. The SOS will then apostille the Texas notarization attached to your document.
- 3
Complete Form 2102 (Universal Apostille Request)
Fill out Form 2102 and state the destination country (this determines apostille vs authentication). Keep a copy of your completed form.
- 4
Prepare payment
Include the $15 per document state fee (check or money order payable to Texas Secretary of State; the form itself also advises retaining a copy of your check). Credit cards are not accepted by mail per SOS form guidance.
- 5
Add return shipping
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope or prepaid carrier label (USPS/UPS/FedEx). The SOS will not use labels that say "Bill Sender" or any label with no billing method. Keep your tracking number.
- 6
Submit your packet
Mail to: Authentications Unit, P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550
Walk-in: 1019 Brazos, Austin, TX 78701, Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT
- 7
Processing & return
Mail requests can take up to ~25 business days depending on volume; walk-in service is time-and-queue dependent. You'll receive your diploma/transcript with the Universal Apostille attached.
Checklist to Avoid Rejections
- Texas-issued diploma/transcript (from your school/college/university)
- Texas notarization attached (school notarization or notary over registrar's certification)
- Form 2102 completed with destination country
- $15 check/money order payable to Texas Secretary of State; keep a copy of your check
- Prepaid return (envelope/label) — no "Bill Sender"
- Use the correct address & hours (Austin)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to notarize my diploma or transcript first?▼
What is a Universal Apostille in Texas?▼
Can Texas apostille a diploma from another state?▼
How long does mail processing take?▼
What if my diploma is old or the school refuses to notarize it?▼
Pro Tips (Save Time & Headaches)
- Print the destination country clearly on Form 2102; it controls whether SOS treats it as apostille vs authentication.
- Use trackable shipping both ways and keep your tracking numbers (SOS explicitly recommends it on Form 2102/website).
- If the original is worn or framed, request a duplicate that the registrar can notarize easily.
- Double-check hours & address before you go; use the Authentications Unit contact page for current walk-in hours.
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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