Updated November 2025 — Valid for 2026 • Verified: November 12, 2025
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.
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you exactly which path to take, what forms you need, and where to send everything.
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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.
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.
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.
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).
| 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 |
❌ 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.
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Get My Custom GuideReviewed by: Amelia Rivera — Compliance Editor, Apostille Pro USA
Updated: November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Change Summary: Confirmed FBI fee ($18), DoS apostille fee ($20) with DS-4194 + addresses; validated Texas SOS Universal Apostille process (Form 2102, $15) and Austin addresses; clarified FBI vs Texas DPS choice and common rejection issues; refreshed processing-time notes per Travel.gov/TX SOS.
Next Review Due: May 2026 (or earlier if agencies update forms/fees/addresses).
Reviewer Profile: /team/amelia-rivera