Data verified Nov 2025 — Valid for 2026
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.
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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Request your diploma (original or duplicate) and/or official transcript from the issuing high school/college/university.
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.
Fill out Form 2102 and state the destination country (this determines apostille vs authentication). Keep a copy of your completed form.
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.
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.
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
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.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Always confirm the latest forms, fees, hours, and addresses on the official Texas SOS and your school's registrar pages.
Last Updated: November 12, 2025
Valid for: 2025–2026
Reviewed by: Compliance Editor — Apostille Pro USA