At a Glance — Lubbock Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Lubbock Health Department, Lubbock County Clerk, Texas Secretary of State Health Services, or Texas State Agencies |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Texas Secretary of State (Austin only) IMPORTANT: There is NO apostille office in Lubbock, Dallas, San Antonio, or any other Texas city |
| Document Required | Original certified copy issued within the past 5 years + proper notarization (for notarized documents) |
| Processing Time | Mail: Up to 25 business days (current processing time may
exceed this due to high demand) In-person Walk-in: Same day (Mondays & Fridays only, limit 10 documents) By Appointment: Same day (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) Bulk Drop-off: 24-48 hours |
| Apostille Fee | $15 per document (no special handling fee) |
| Adoption Documents | $15 per document for international adoption (max $100 per child) |
| Submission Locations | AUSTIN OFFICE (In-Person): Current address (until January 11, 2026): Texas Secretary of State, Authentications Unit, Room 106 1019 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701 NEW ADDRESS (starting January 12, 2026): Texas Secretary of State, 400 W. 15th Street, Austin, TX MAIL ADDRESS: Texas Secretary of State, Authentications Unit P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Time) Walk-in: Mondays and Fridays | Appointments: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays |
Get Your Apostille Fast & Hassle-Free
Skip the 25 business day wait and 3-hour drive to Austin. We handle the Texas Secretary of State process for same-day processing and fast return to Lubbock.
📍 Lubbock Vital Records Offices
Lubbock Health Department - Bureau of Vital Statistics
1902 Texas Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79401
Phone: (806) 775-2933
For births and deaths within Lubbock city limits
Fee: $23 per birth certificate (long form available)
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (arrive by 3:00 PM)
Fri: Online orders/funeral homes only, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (arrive by 1:00 PM)
Lubbock County Clerk - Vital Statistics
916 Main Street, Room 207, Lubbock, TX 79408
Phone: (806) 775-1339
For events outside Lubbock city limits (but within Lubbock County)
Fee: $23 per birth certificate (short form available)
IMPORTANT: Texas does NOT require County Clerk authentication before apostille (unlike New York). Documents go directly to TX Secretary of State.
⚠️ Common Lubbock Apostille Pitfalls
Avoid these common mistakes to prevent delays:
- Thinking There's a Lubbock Apostille Office: The Harris County Clerk CANNOT issue apostilles. There's only ONE apostille office in Texas - the Secretary of State in Austin (330 miles away).
- Using Hospital Birth Certificates: Decorative certificates from University Medical Center, Covenant Health, or Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are NOT legal documents. You must get an official certified copy from Lubbock Health Department or Lubbock County Clerk.
- Mailing to Street Address: The walk-in office address (1019 Brazos or 400 W. 15th) is for IN-PERSON only. Always mail to P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550.
- Old Documents (Over 5 Years): Texas requires vital records to be issued within the past 5 years. A birth certificate certified copy from 2019 will be REJECTED.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for a Texas apostille from outside the U.S. is entirely possible, but a few extra steps are needed for a smooth process:
- Mail Direct to Austin: Send your documents directly to the Texas Secretary of State in Austin (P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550). Use a prepaid shipping label (FedEx/UPS/DHL) for the return to ensure tracking.
- No County Clerk Step Needed: Unlike New York, Texas does NOT require a County Clerk authentication step. Documents go directly to TX Secretary of State.
- Document Ordering: Order certified copies from Lubbock Health Department or Lubbock County Clerk online through VitalChek or directly, have them sent to your U.S. address or service.
- Processing Time: Allow 6-8 weeks total: 1-2 weeks document ordering, 1 week mail to Austin, 3-5 weeks processing, 1-2 weeks return shipping.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention. Texas (and all U.S. states) issue apostilles only for member countries – but if your destination country isn't one, you'll need to follow a different process called authentication and consular legalization.
- Consulate Legalization: For countries like China (pre-2023), Vietnam, or UAE, you need a multi-step process: State Apostille/Authentication → US Dept of State → Embassy Legalization.
- Translation Requirements: Ensure you know if translation must be done before or after the apostille.
Old or Damaged Documents
Documents that are torn, taped, or illegible may be rejected. If your document is decades old and fragile, order a new certified copy.
Unofficial Documents
Commemorative certificates from hospitals or churches are not legal documents. You must obtain a certified copy from the County Recorder/Clerk.
Wrong Official Signature
Vital records signed only by a Local Registrar or Health Officer (M.D.) cannot be apostilled directly. They must be authenticated by the County Clerk first.
Dual Citizenship
Countries like Italy or Mexico often require dual citizenship applicants to have "long-form" birth certificates and may require recent copies (issued within 6-12 months). Check consul requirements.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Lubbock residents can apostille the following document types:
Accepted Documents for Apostille
- Original Texas Certified Copies: Vital records (birth, death, marriage) issued by the Lubbock County of Health, County Clerk, or State agencies.
- Notarized Documents: Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, Deeds, etc., notarized by a commissioned Texas Notary Public.
- County Clerk Certifications: Documents signed by a Health Officer that have been countersigned/certified by the County Clerk.
- Court Documents: Divorce decrees or judgments certified by the Superior Court Executive Officer/Clerk.
Not Accepted for Apostille
- Photocopies: Plain photocopies of vital records are rejected. They must be certified copies.
- Souvenir Certificates: Hospital birth certificates or church marriage certificates are not legal documents.
- Out-of-State Documents: Texas cannot apostille a document from New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania. It must originate in NY.
- Federal Documents: FBI Background Checks are federal and must go to the US Dept of State in DC, not the Texas Department of State.
- Wrong Official Signature: Vital records signed ONLY by a Health Officer/Local Registrar without County Clerk certification.
Requirements Checklist
Before Lubbock residents submit their apostille request, make sure you have all the following ready:
MUST HAVE
-
Original Certified Document: Your document (Birth Certificate, POA, etc.) must be an original certified copy signed by the appropriate official (County Clerk, City Clerk, or State Official) or notarized by a Texas notary. No photocopies!
-
Apostille Request Cover Sheet: A completed cover sheet indicating the destination country. Include: "Please issue an apostille for use in [Country]." Provide your return address and contact info.
-
Payment: $15.00 per document. For mail: Check/Money Order to "Department of State". For in-person (Austin): Credit card, check, or money order.
-
Return Envelope: Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or prepaid airbill (FedEx/UPS) for the return of your documents.
-
County Clerk Certification (If applicable): If your vital record is signed by a local Health Officer (MD), it must be countersigned by the appropriate Lubbock County Clerk before sending to the SOS.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Lubbock Specifics: Texas State Department of State offers walk-in apostille/authentication service in Austin. You can also mail requests to Austin.
- Notarized Documents: If your document is notarized in Lubbock, ensure the notary's acknowledgment is properly filled out. Incomplete notarial blocks cause rejections.
- Translation: The apostille only authenticates the signature. If your destination country requires translation, that is a separate step usually done *after* the apostille.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Lubbock Document Apostilled
Follow these steps to obtain an apostille for any document issued in Lubbock County:
Step 1 — Ensure Your Document is Ready
You typically need an original certified copy or an original notarized document. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage): Obtain a certified copy issued by the Lubbock Health Department & Mental Hygiene (local Health Department). If your document requires it, obtain the required supporting certification (e.g., letter of exemplification) before the County Clerk / DOS step.
- Court Documents (Divorce, Probate): Obtain a certified copy from the Lubbock Superior Court.
- Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits): Have your document notarized by a valid Texas Notary Public.
Lubbock County Clerk Offices (for notarized docs):
- • Lubbock (Notary Authentication): County Clerk 141B, Austin, TX 78701
- • Fort Bend County Clerk: 401 Jackson St, Richmond County Clerk, 401 Jackson St, Richmond, TX
- • Lubbock County West: 1019 Congress St, 1019 Congress St
- • Brazoria County Clerk: 111 E Locust St County Clerk, 111 E Locust St
Step 2 — Prepare the Cover Sheet
Include a cover letter or the Texas Department of State's Apostille Request Form stating:
- - Country of destination (e.g., "For use in: Spain")
- - Your return mailing address
- - Contact phone number
Step 3 — Payment & Assembly
Fee: $15.00 per document (plus $3 County Clerk fee if applicable).
- • Original Document (County Clerk authenticated if notarized)
- • Cover Sheet
- • Check/Money Order ($15/doc) payable to "Texas Secretary of State"
- • Self-addressed stamped return envelope (Prepaid FedEx/UPS recommended for tracking)
Step 4 — Submit (Mail or Walk-In)
Lubbock residents have two convenient options:
Option A: Walk-In at Lubbock Office (Fastest)
Texas Secretary of State office in Austin
Austin, TX 78701
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Time)
Processing time: Same-day. No appointment needed.
Option B: Mail to Austin
Texas Secretary of State
Authentications Unit
P.O. Box 13550
Austin, TX 78711-2001
Processing time: ~15-25 business days (3-5 weeks).
Step 5 — Receive the Apostille
Your document will be returned with the Apostille certificate attached to the front. Do not remove the staple! Detaching the apostille invalidates it.
Step 6 — Use Your Document
Your Lubbock document is now ready for use in any Hague Convention country (Spain, Germany, France, etc.). If the destination is NOT a Hague country (e.g., Vietnam), you must proceed to US Department of State authentication and Embassy Legalization.
Getting Apostille from Lubbock: Your Options
Lubbock residents generally have two primary pathways to obtain an apostille. Here is a breakdown
1 Walk-in (Austin) — Fastest
Location
Texas Secretary of State
Texas Secretary of State office in Austin
Austin, TX
10038
Timeline
Same Day
Fee
$15 per document
2 Walk-in (Austin)
Location
Texas Secretary of State
1019 Brazos Street
Austin, TX 12231
Timeline
Same Day
Fee
$15 per document
3 Mail to Austin
Address
Texas Dept of State
Authentications Unit
P.O. Box
22001
Austin, TX 78711-2001
Timeline
15-25 business days (3-5 weeks)
Plus mailing time
Fee
$15 per document
Get Your Apostille Fast & Hassle-Free
Skip the wait and County Clerk visits. We handle the entire process with Texas Secretary of State Department of State for you.
Limited daily slots available
Common Mistakes Lubbock Residents Make
Mistake #1: Going to the County Clerk for an Apostille
The Lubbock County Clerk (offices in Downtown, the Austin office) cannot issue apostilles. They only issue certified copies of documents. Only the Texas Secretary of State (Austin) issues the apostille.
Mistake #2: Mailing documents to the LA Office
The Austin office is for walk-in service only. If you mail your package to the LA address, it may be rejected or significantly delayed. All mail requests must go to the Austin office.
Mistake #3: Using Hospital Souvenir Certificates
Birth certificates issued by hospitals (like Texas Medical Center, University Medical Center, Covenant Health) often look nice but are not legal documents. You must use the official copy from the Lubbock County Clerk.
Fast Processing
Texas offers same-day apostille service for walk-ins. Mail requests take approximately up to 25 business days. In-person service in Austin or LA can be completed within a couple of hours.
Worldwide Acceptance
An apostille issued in Texas is globally recognized in all 128 countries that are party to the 1961 Hague Convention as of 2025. This includes most major countries worldwide.
Easy Mail Service
You don't have to be in Texas to get an apostille. The entire process can be handled by mail from anywhere in the US or world. Just include a prepaid return envelope.
Secure Verification
Every Texas apostille comes with a unique reference number and official signature, and can be independently verified online through the Secretary of State's website.
Third-Party Friendly
Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – you, a relative, friend, or professional service. No special authorization needed from the Secretary of State.
Affordable Fees
Just $15 per document for the Texas state apostille. Additional $6 in-person handling fee. No hidden costs for mail-in service.
Fees & Processing Times
| Service / Item | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Birth Certificate Copy | $29.00 per copy | Paid to County Clerk or State (separate from apostille). County fees range $25–$35; varies by county. Obtain this first. |
| Texas Apostille (Department of State) | $15.00 per document | The standard fee for each apostille certificate issued (each document). Example: 1 birth cert = $15, 2 copies = $30. |
| Walk-in Processing | $ | Applies only to in-person requests in Austin. Charged once per batch for each unique signature being authenticated. Mail requests do not incur this fee. |
| Mail Return Postage | Varies | You must provide a prepaid envelope or pay for postage. (USPS Priority Mail ~$8, FedEx/UPS international could be $30+). |
| Additional Authentication (Non-Hague only) | $20.00 (US Dept) + consular fees | Only for non-Apostille countries. US Dept of State federal authentication is $15 per document. Foreign consulate legalization fees vary by country. |
| Professional Service (optional) | Varies | If you hire an apostille expediter or service, they will charge a service fee (commonly $75–$150) plus above government fees. Not a required cost if you DIY. |
Payment Methods: Checks or money orders to "Department of State" for the $15. Walk-ins can use Visa/MasterCard or cash (Sac only; LA no cash). Always check the latest fee info on official websites – fees can change by legislative action.
Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for a Texas apostille from outside the U.S. is entirely possible, but a few extra steps are needed for a smooth process:
- Mail to Austin: Send your documents directly to the Secretary of State in Austin. Use a prepaid shipping label (FedEx/UPS/DHL) for the return to ensure tracking.
- Online Ordering: If you need a new birth certificate, order it via VitalChek and select "Apostille" as the reason—sometimes they can send it directly to the usage point or to you for the next step.
Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention. Texas (and all U.S. states) issue apostilles only for member countries – but if your destination country isn't one, you'll need to follow a different process called authentication and consular legalization.
- Consulate Legalization: For countries like China (pre-2023), Vietnam, or UAE, you need a multi-step process: State Apostille/Authentication → US Dept of State → Embassy Legalization.
- Translation Requirements: Ensure you know if translation must be done before or after the apostille.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert Insight
Amelia Rivera , Lead Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience with TX vital records apostille
"Texas is one of the busiest states for apostille requests, handling tens of thousands of vital records each year. The most common mistake I see is people trying to apostille an informational copy or a hospital souvenir certificate – these get rejected immediately. Always verify you have an authorized certified copy with the County Recorder or State Registrar signature before submitting."
"Another frequent issue: applicants don't realize that many European countries require the birth certificate to be issued within the last 6 months, even though the apostille itself doesn't expire. If you're applying for dual citizenship (especially Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese), get a fresh copy of your birth certificate right before starting the apostille process. This saves you from having to repeat everything if the consulate rejects an old certificate."
Verification Log
Official Resources
Texas Secretary of State
Texas Vital Records
- • CA Department of Public Health – Birth Certificates
- • County Clerk Offices (search "[your county] Texas clerk birth certificate" for local contact)