Texas FBI Background Check Apostille Guide
Stop paying expeditors $200+. Submit directly to the Texas Secretary of State — correctly the first time.
DIY & Save ~$200
Get your personalized apostille roadmap.
What this guide covers
This page explains how Texans can obtain (A) an FBI Identity History Summary and apostille it at the U.S. Department of State (DoS), or (B) a Texas DPS state criminal record and apostille it at the Texas Secretary of State (SOS). The correct path depends on the destination country's instructions.
Get your personalized FBI or Texas DPS background check apostille guide
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you exactly which path to take, what forms you need, and where to send everything.
Start My Guide100% free • Takes less than 2 minutes • Save hundreds on service fees
Two paths: FBI (federal) vs Texas DPS (state)
Order your FBI Identity History Summary (fingerprint-based, nationwide), then get a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications using Form DS-4194; fee $20 per document. Mail to Sterling, VA or use Washington, DC walk-in.
If a foreign authority asks for a state record (Texas-issued), request your criminal history from Texas DPS (Crime Records Services), then obtain a Texas SOS Universal Apostille (acts as apostille/authentication) — $15 per document.
Key facts (at a glance)
- FBI report fee: $18 to the FBI (electronic or by mail).
- DoS apostille fee (federal docs): $20 per document with DS-4194. Addresses: PO Box 1206, Sterling, VA 20166-1206 (mail) and 600 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 (walk-in).
- Texas SOS fee (state docs): $15 per document via Form 2102 – Request for Universal Apostille. Mail: P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550. Walk-in: 1019 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 (hours per form).
- Universal Apostille (Texas): issued by Texas SOS and "accepted in every country" (Hague → apostille; non-Hague → may need consular steps).
Path A — FBI Identity History Summary → U.S. Department of State apostille
What it is:
A fingerprint-based federal criminal history ("Identity History Summary") from the FBI. You must apostille it through U.S. DoS; states cannot apostille federal documents.
How to order the FBI report (fastest):
Request electronically at the FBI's official portal (edo.cjis.gov) or by mail; fee $18. You can submit fingerprints at participating USPS locations or mail an FD-1164 card.
Apostille at U.S. DoS:
- • Complete DS-4194, include destination country, and pay $20/document (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State").
- • Mail to: Office of Authentications, 44132 Mercure Cir., PO Box 1206, Sterling, VA 20166-1206; or walk-in at 600 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 (per current appointment/walk-in policy on Travel.gov).
Path B — Texas DPS criminal record → Texas Secretary of State apostille
What it is:
A state criminal history from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Crime Records Services. This record, when properly signed by a DPS official, can be apostilled by the Texas SOS using the Universal Apostille process (Form 2102, $15/doc).
Apostille at Texas SOS:
- • Prepare the original DPS record (with the recognized DPS official signature).
- • Complete Form 2102 – Request for Universal Apostille; include destination country and your return method.
- • Pay $15 per document (check/money order to "Texas Secretary of State").
- • Mail (USPS): P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550; or walk-in at 1019 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 (see hours on Form 2102).
Which path should you choose?
Step-by-step checklists (FBI / Texas DPS)
- 1.Order FBI report (prefer electronic; fee $18).
- 2.Complete DS-4194 (apostille/authentication + destination country).
- 3.Payment to DoS: $20/document (check/money order).
- 4.Submit: Mail → Sterling, VA PO Box 1206; Walk-in → 600 19th St NW, Washington, DC (per current policy).
- 5.Receive apostilled FBI report via your return method.
- 1.Request DPS criminal history (Crime Records Services / fingerprint-based where applicable).
- 2.Verify the DPS report bears an authorized DPS official's signature suitable for SOS apostille.
- 3.Complete Form 2102 (include destination country).
- 4.Payment: $15/document (check/money order payable to Texas SOS).
- 5.Mail (USPS) to P.O. Box 13550 or walk-in 1019 Brazos St; include a tracked return label.
Processing times & fees (summary)
| Agency | Fee | Processing Time | Submission |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI (CJIS) | $18 | Electronic often fastest; mail longer | Online portal or mail |
| U.S. DoS (federal apostille) | $20 per document | Travel.gov lists DC walk-in (same-day at appointment) & mail-in (longer; check current notices) | DS-4194, mail to Sterling VA or DC walk-in |
| Texas SOS (Universal Apostille) | $15 per document | Mail often up to ~1 month depending on volume; walk-in same/next-day capacity-dependent | Form 2102, mail P.O. Box / walk-in 1019 Brazos St |
Common rejection reasons
❌ Issue: Sending FBI results to Texas SOS (wrong authority).
→ Fix: FBI is federal → apostille by U.S. DoS.
❌ Issue: Submitting Texas DPS record to U.S. DoS (state record).
→ Fix: Should go to Texas SOS.
❌ Issue: Missing DS-4194 or wrong fee for U.S. DoS; omitting destination country.
→ Fix: Complete DS-4194 and include country name.
❌ Issue: Incomplete DPS document (no recognized DPS signature) or wrong SOS address/form.
→ Fix: Ensure authorized DPS signature; use Form 2102 and correct addresses.
Need personalized help with your Texas FBI or DPS apostille?
Get a clear, step-by-step roadmap tailored to your exact situation in under 2 minutes.
Get My Custom GuideFAQs (People-Also-Ask coverage)
Can Texas SOS apostille my FBI report?▼
What's the fee to apostille Texas state records?▼
Where do I mail the DS-4194 packet?▼
How do I get a Texas DPS record?▼
What is a 'Universal Apostille' in Texas?▼
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
Save ~$200 • Refund if rejected