Texas Passport Copy Apostille
Texas apostilles are issued by the Texas Secretary of State, Authentications Unit, for $15 per document. A passport copy qualifies only as a document properly notarized by a Texas notary. Send it with Form 2102 by mail (up to two weeks from receipt) or bring it to 400 W. 15th St., Austin, for same-day service: walk in Monday or Friday, book Tuesday-Thursday, 10 documents max. Last verified 2026-10-12 against https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/request.shtml
Important: destination authorities define acceptable identity-document formats; verify exact wording and attachment rules before notarization.
At a Glance - Texas Snapshot
| Authority | Texas Secretary of State, Authentications Unit |
|---|---|
| State Fee | $15 per universal apostille (standard requests) |
| Mail Processing | Up to two weeks from receipt; may vary with volume |
| Required Form | Form 2102 |
| Document Path | Notarized custodian certification statement with attached passport copy |
| Main Rejection Risk | Submitting only a loose photocopy without a proper notarized statement |
Requirements That Matter
Texas SOS apostille instructions for non-recordable documents require a valid notarized statement. For passport copy use cases, the common method is a "copy certification by document custodian" statement attached to the photocopy.
Must Have
- Custodian certification statement signed and notarized.
- Passport copy attached exactly as destination authority requests.
- Form 2102 with destination country and return instructions.
- Correct payment and return shipping materials.
High-Risk Mistakes
- Sending only a photocopy without notarized certification language.
- Using destination wording that does not match consulate requirements.
- Incomplete Form 2102 or missing return envelope/label.
- Detaching apostille/authentication certificate after issuance.
Fees and Processing Timing
| Service Item | Current Texas SOS Guidance |
|---|---|
| Universal apostille | $15 per document |
| Universal apostille (also used for non-Hague countries) | $15 per document |
| Mail processing | Up to two weeks from receipt; may vary with volume |
| Expedited mail processing | Not available |
| Payment (mail) | Check or money order payable to Secretary of State |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit only a plain passport photocopy?▼
Usually no. For Texas state apostille workflows, the common route is a notarized custodian certification statement attached to the copy.
Do I need county clerk authentication first?▼
Current Texas SOS apostille instructions for non-recordable notarized documents list notarization and SOS submission requirements, and do not list county clerk pre-authentication as a standard statewide step for this document type.
How long does Texas mail processing take now?▼
Texas SOS currently lists up to two weeks from receipt for mailed requests (as of 2026-10-12); actual processing times may vary with volume.
Can I use remote online notarization?▼
Yes, if SOS online notarization certificate and verification conditions are met in the final packet.
What if the destination country is non-Hague?▼
Texas SOS issues a universal apostille certificate; for non-Hague destinations, confirm additional U.S. Department of State and consular legalization requirements.
Official Sources Used For This Page
Below are the official government and convention sources used to prepare and verify this page.
Texas Apostille Authority Sources
Supporting Notary and Convention Sources
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
Last verification update: February 16, 2026
Recent verification log