Texas Power of Attorney Apostille
For Property, Banking & Legal Matters Abroad
Complete 2026 guide to obtaining an apostille for a Texas Power of Attorney (POA). This is a two-step process in Texas that trips up many applicants.
- Must be notarized by a Texas Notary Public
- CRITICAL STEP: Must be authenticated by the County Clerk BEFORE sending to the State
- Mail delays: 3-4 months processing time in late 2025
⭐ At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Item | Status (December 2025) |
|---|---|
| Document Type | Notarized Document (Power of Attorney, Affidavit, etc.) |
| Mandatory Step | County Clerk Authentication (Fee: ~$5) |
| 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 |
| Top rejection reason | ❌ Skipping the County Clerk authentication step |
Document Requirements
To obtain an apostille, your Power of Attorney must meet strict requirements set by the Texas Secretary of State.
The "County Clerk" Rule
Unlike many other states, Texas requires that ALL notarized documents be authenticated by the County Clerk of the county where the notary is commissioned. You cannot send a notarized document directly to the Secretary of State.
MUST Have
- • Original Signature: You must sign the document in front of the notary with a pen (wet signature).
- • Proper Notarization: The notary must include a full jurat or acknowledgment block, sign, and stamp.
- • County Clerk Seal: The document must bear the seal and signature of the County Clerk authenticating the notary.
CANNOT Use
- • Photocopies: Do not send a photocopy of a notarized document.
- • Remote Online Notary (RON): While legal, RON documents can be harder to authenticate at the county level. Traditional in-person notarization is safer for apostilles.
- • Missing Notary Details: Ensure the notary's commission expiration date is visible.
Step-by-Step Process
Sign your Power of Attorney in front of a commissioned Texas Notary Public. Ensure they use a proper notarial certificate (acknowledgment or jurat).
Take the notarized document to the County Clerk's office in the county where the notary is commissioned. (Look at the notary's stamp to find the county). Pay the fee (usually ~$5) to have them authenticate the notary's signature.
Mail your County-authenticated 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 |
|---|---|---|
| County Clerk Authentication | ~$5.00 (Varies) | Same Day (Walk-in) |
| State Apostille Fee | $15.00 | 3-4 Months (Mail) |
| Walk-In Service (State) | $15.00 | Same Day / Next Day |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Skipping County Authentication
This is the #1 reason for rejection. You cannot skip the County Clerk step.
-
Wrong County
You must go to the County Clerk in the county where the notary is commissioned, not necessarily where you live or where you signed.
Official Resources & County Clerks
Use these official government links to find the correct County Clerk for authentication.
Major County Clerk Offices (For Authentication)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need County Clerk authentication?
Texas law requires that all notarized documents be authenticated by the County Clerk of the county where the notary is commissioned BEFORE the Secretary of State can issue an apostille. This confirms the notary is valid.
Can I use a mobile notary?
Yes, as long as they are a commissioned Texas notary. However, you must still take the document to the County Clerk in the county where they are commissioned (which might be different from where you met).
Can I apostille a copy of my Power of Attorney?
Generally, no. Most countries require the original 'wet' signature. If you must use a copy, it must be a 'Certified Copy' issued by the notary (Copy Certification by Document Custodian), but this is often rejected by foreign authorities. Always try to use the original.
"I see POAs rejected every day because people mail them straight to Austin without the County Clerk stamp. It's an annoying extra step, but absolutely mandatory in Texas."