What Form 2102 Is (and Why Texas Asks for It)
Form 2102 is the cover sheet Texas uses to process an apostille/authentication request. It tells the office:
- who to return documents to,
- what country the documents are for,
- how many documents you're submitting,
- whether your payment matches the count.
If you need the full end-to-end Texas process (document preparation rules, timelines, and the "which document needs what" logic), use the Texas Apostille Guide.
Do You Need Form 2102?
You generally need Form 2102 if you're mailing or bringing a request to Texas for a Texas-issued document or a Texas-notarized document and want Texas to issue an apostille/authentication.
⚠️ You should NOT use Form 2102 if:
- Your request is international adoption → use Form 2103.
- Your document is federal (e.g., FBI background check) → that's typically a federal flow, not Texas state processing.
Fill Form 2102 Fast (the "No-Mistakes" Guide)
Step 1 — Submitter (Return-to) Information
Fill in the person/company who should receive the finished documents back:
- Full name
- Mailing address (return address)
- Phone
Pro tip: If using a courier or third party, put their name/address here to avoid "return to sender" chaos.
Step 2 — Destination Country (Required)
Enter the country where the document will be used (example: France, Spain, Mexico).
This is the #1 avoidable issue. If the country is missing, vague, or inconsistent with your other paperwork, your request can be delayed.
Step 3 — Document Count + Fee Calculation
Count your documents (not pages). Then calculate:
Examples: 1 doc → $15 | 2 docs → $30 | 5 docs → $75
Pro tip: Write the count clearly and make sure your payment matches the exact number.
Step 4 — Payment Method (Don't Improvise)
Select the payment option appropriate for your submission type.
Important: For mailed requests, avoid assuming credit card will work. Use allowed mail payment method(s) and ensure the amount is exact, payee is correct, and payment is signed (if required).
Step 5 — Return Delivery (This Is Where People Lose Days)
Include a prepaid, pre-addressed return envelope/label so Texas can ship your documents back immediately.
Best practice: Use tracking (both directions). Make sure your return method is actually billable/valid (no "mystery labels" that require extra steps from the clerk).
What to Include in Your Mailing Package
Put these into one envelope:
- Your documents — Usually a certified copy (for vital records) or a properly notarized document.
- Completed Form 2102
- Payment — documents × $15
- Prepaid return envelope/label — with the correct return-to info
Optional but smart: A short cover note: "Total documents: X | Total payment: $Y | Destination country: Z" — and a paperclip separating multiple document sets (do not staple through seals).
Common Rejection & Delay Reasons
- Destination country missing or unclear
- Using 2102 instead of 2103 for adoption-related cases
- Payment amount doesn't match the number of documents
- No prepaid return method, or return label that can't be processed
- Wrong preparation step for your document type (certified copy vs notarization)
- Mixing state and federal documents in one state submission
Where to Mail Texas Form 2102
P.O. Box 13550
Austin, TX 78711-3550
If you plan to submit in person, confirm current office rules (hours/appointments can change).