Texas Corporate Apostille
Articles of Incorporation, Good Standing & Bylaws
Complete 2026 guide to obtaining an apostille for Texas business documents. Learn the critical difference between State-Issued documents (Articles, Good Standing) and Internal documents (Bylaws, Minutes) to avoid rejection.
- Which documents need notarization vs. certified copies
- Why notarizing a Certificate of Fact leads to rejection
- How to handle "Internal" documents like Board Resolutions
- 2025 mail delays and when to use walk-in service
⭐ At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Item | Status (December 2025) |
|---|---|
| State-Issued Docs | Certified Copy from SOS (Articles, Good Standing) |
| Internal Docs | Notarized Affidavit (Bylaws, Minutes, Power of Attorney) |
| State apostille fee | $15 per document |
| Where to apostille | Texas Secretary of State – Authentications Unit in Austin |
| Mail-in processing | Slow 3-4 months in late 2025 |
| In-person options | Walk-in and appointment-based submission in Austin |
| Top rejection reason | ❌ Notarizing a Certified Copy from the SOS |
Bottom line: Never notarize documents issued by the Secretary of State. Only notarize internal company documents.
Determine Your Document Type
The requirements depend on whether your document is issued by the State or created internally by your company.
2025 Mail Delays
Mail-in processing times have increased to 3-4 months. If you have a tight deadline for a business deal or bank opening, use the Austin walk-in service or a professional courier.
1. State-Issued Documents
These are issued directly by the Texas Secretary of State.
- • Articles of Incorporation / Organization
- • Certificate of Formation
- • Certificate of Fact (Good Standing)
- • Amendments / Mergers
✅ Certified Copy from SOS
❌ DO NOT NOTARIZE
2. Internal Documents
These are created by your company internally.
- • Corporate Bylaws
- • Board Resolutions / Minutes
- • Power of Attorney
- • Commercial Agreements
✅ Notarized Affidavit
Officer must sign in front of a Texas Notary
Step-by-Step Process
For State-Issued: Order a Certified Copy from the Texas SOS Corp Section. Do not open the
envelope if it comes sealed (though usually they are just stapled).
For Internal Docs: Create a cover sheet (affidavit) stating "I, [Name],
[Title], certify that the attached is a true copy of..." and sign it in front of a Texas
Notary Public.
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 | 3-4 Months (Mail) |
| Walk-In Service | $15.00 | Same Day / Next Day |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Notarizing State Docs
Do NOT notarize a Certified Copy of Articles or Good Standing. It invalidates the document.
-
Missing Form 2102
You must include the official request form with your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notarize my Articles of Incorporation?
NO. Articles of Incorporation and Certificates of Good Standing are issued by the Secretary of State and do not need notarization. They are ready for apostille as-is.
How do I apostille Bylaws or Board Resolutions?
Internal corporate documents like Bylaws or Minutes must be notarized first. A corporate officer must sign an affidavit in front of a Texas notary public.
How much does a Texas apostille cost?
The state fee is $15.00 per document, payable to the Secretary of State.
"Remember: If the document comes from the State (like Articles), don't touch it—just send it. If it comes from your office (like Bylaws), notarize it first. Mixing this up is the most common mistake I see."