Texas Birth Certificate Apostille
For Use Outside the United States
Get a Texas apostille for your birth certificate in 2025 without losing months on avoidable mistakes. This guide explains:
- Why notarized photocopies are always rejected
- How the 5-year document rule really works
- Why mail processing now takes 3–4 months
- When you should drive to Austin instead of mailing
⭐ At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Item | Status (December 2025) |
|---|---|
| Mail-in processing time | 3–4 months (currently processing August 2025 mail) |
| Fastest option | Austin walk-in (Mon & Fri, same-/next-day) |
| Walk-in schedule | Mon & Fri – no appointment • Tue–Thu – appointment required |
| Max docs for walk-in | 10 documents per person |
| Accepted document | Certified Texas birth certificate only (no notarized copies) |
| 5-year rule | Docs older than 5 years ≈ 30% rejection risk |
| State fee | $15 per document ($10 for adoption, capped $100/child) |
| Top rejection reason | ❌ Notarized photocopy of birth certificate |
Bottom line: If you need your apostille in under 3 months, do not rely on mail. Use walk-in service in Austin or a professional courier.
Critical 2025 Changes & Risks
🚨 Mail Processing Now 3–4 Months
As of November 2025, the Texas Secretary of State is processing mailed requests received in August 2025.
- • Old reality: 20–30 business days
- • Current reality: 3–4 months
If you need your apostille in less than 3 months, mail is not a safe option.
Walk-In & Appointment Rules (2025)
Walk-in without appointment:
Mondays & Fridays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Appointment required:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Walk-in limit: 10 documents per person
More than 10 docs: Use drop box (24–48 hour turnaround)
Document Requirements Checklist
Before you spend money and months of waiting, you must match Texas Secretary of State rules:
You MUST Have
- ✅ Original certified Texas birth certificate
- ✅ Raised or colored security seal
- ✅ Original registrar's signature
- ✅ Document issued in Texas
You CANNOT Use
- ❌ Notarized photocopy
- ❌ Hospital "souvenir" birth certificate
- ❌ Photocopy stamped by notary as "true copy"
- ❌ Certificate issued by another state
Age of the Document — The 5-Year Rule
0–5 years old
Safe for apostille
6–10 years old
~30% rejection risk
10+ years old
Very high rejection risk
If your birth certificate was issued before 2020, the safest choice is to order a fresh certified copy.
Required Forms & Payment
- Form 2102 — Request for Official Certificate or Apostille
(Use Form 2103 for international adoption) - Destination country must be listed on the form
- Fee: $15 per document
- Payment by mail: Check, money order, or cashier's check
Payable to "Texas Secretary of State" - No cash or credit card by mail
Step-by-Step Process
Ensure you have a Certified Copy. Look for the official seal and the registrar's signature. If you only have a plain photocopy or a hospital souvenir certificate, you must order a new official copy from Texas Vital Statistics.
Download and fill out Form 2102 (Request for Official Certificate or Apostille). You MUST specify the destination country.
Mail your document, the completed Form 2102, and the $15 fee to:
Authentications Unit
P.O. Box 13550
Austin, TX 78711-3550
💡 Pro Tip: Our wizard can generate a complete submission package with pre-filled forms, cover letter, and shipping label in minutes.
Generate My Package →Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| State Apostille Fee | $15.00 | 20-30 Business Days |
| Walk-In Service | $15.00 | Same Day / Next Day |
Note: Walk-in service is available at the James Earl Rudder Office Building, 1019 Brazos, Austin, TX 78701.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Notarizing a Photocopy: This is the #1 reason for rejection in Texas. Never notarize a birth certificate.
- Missing Form 2102: You must include the official request form with your submission.
- Sending to Wrong Office: Apostilles are processed by the Secretary of State in Austin, NOT by the Vital Statistics office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apostille a photocopy of my Texas birth certificate?
NO. Texas strictly rejects notarized photocopies of vital records. You must submit a certified copy issued by the State Registrar or a local Registrar.
How much does a Texas apostille cost?
The state fee is $15.00 per document, payable to the Secretary of State.
How long does it take?
Mail processing takes approximately 20-30 business days. Walk-in service in Austin is available for same-day or next-day processing.
What form do I need?
You must complete Form 2102 (Request for Official Certificate or Apostille) and include it with your document and payment.
"Texas is very strict about the 'no photocopy' rule. I've seen dozens of applications rejected because people tried to save money by notarizing a copy. Don't do it—order the certified copy!"