Texas Marriage Certificate Apostille Guide
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If you were married in Texas and need to present your marriage certificate abroad, you must obtain a Universal Apostille from the Texas Secretary of State (SOS). This guide—updated for 2025 and valid for 2026—reflects the most current SOS procedures, forms, and fees. The SOS is the only authority in Texas that issues apostilles or authentication certificates for public documents.
Who Needs a Texas Marriage Certificate Apostille
You may need an apostille on your Texas marriage certificate if you are:
- Relocating or working abroad
- Registering a marriage in a foreign country
- Applying for immigration or dual citizenship
- Completing international adoption paperwork
- Verifying marital status for foreign authorities
The document must have been issued in Texas by a county clerk or the Texas DSHS Vital Records office. Documents from other states must be apostilled there.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Issuing Authority | Texas Secretary of State — Authentications Unit (SOS Contact Page) |
| Certificate Type | Universal Apostille (acts as apostille or authentication depending on destination country) |
| Fee (2025) | $15 per document |
| Adoption-related Docs | $10 per document, max $100 per child |
| Forms | Form 2102 (Universal Apostille Request) / Form 2103 (Adoption) |
| Walk-In Hours | Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m. CT |
| Walk-In Address | 1019 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550 |
| Phone (Authentications) | (512) 463-5705 (9 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1 p.m.–4 p.m. CT) |
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Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Obtain a Certified Copy
Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from your county clerk or the Texas DSHS Vital Records office. Photocopies or scans are not accepted. (DSHS Vital Records)
- 2
Complete the Correct Form
Use Form 2102 for standard requests or Form 2103 for international adoption cases. Clearly print the destination country—this decides whether the certificate is an apostille or authentication. (SOS Forms)
- 3
Prepare Payment
- • $15 per document (standard)
- • $10 per document (adoption) – cap $100 per child
Mail payments by check or money order payable to Texas Secretary of State (no credit cards by mail).
- 4
Include Return Shipping
Add a self-addressed stamped envelope or prepaid carrier label (UPS, FedEx, USPS). No handwritten airbills; keep the tracking number.
- 5
Submit Your Packet
Mail to: Authentications Unit, P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550
Walk in: Government Filings Division, 1019 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m. CT
- 6
Processing & Return
Mail requests take up to 25 business days depending on volume; walk-ins are faster but queue-dependent. You will receive the original certificate with the Universal Apostille attached.
Checklist to Avoid Rejection
- Certified Texas marriage certificate (raised seal or official copy)
- Completed Form 2102 or 2103 with destination country entered
- Payment (check or money order) enclosed
- Prepaid return envelope or shipping label (no handwritten airbills)
- Submitted to correct address (Austin office)
- Document issued in Texas (only Texas SOS can apostille it)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notarize the certificate?▼
Can Texas apostille a certificate from another state?▼
What is a 'Universal Apostille'?▼
How long does it take?▼
How do I get a certified copy?▼
Pro Tips
- Write the destination country exactly as required.
- Use trackable mail both ways.
- Attach your email/phone for contact.
- If your certificate is old or damaged, order a fresh certified copy.
- Keep digital copies of the form and payment before mailing.
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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