Texas Single Status Affidavit Apostille
For Texas, a single status affidavit is treated as a notarized non-recordable document. Current Texas Secretary of State instructions focus on proper notarization and a complete Form 2102 packet.
Important: foreign authorities set their own affidavit wording and validity windows, so confirm the exact format 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 25 business days from receipt; current processing may exceed this timeframe |
| In-Person Service | Available via SOS walk-in/appointment workflows; check SOS page for current location and hours |
| Required Form | Form 2102 (standard apostille and official certificate request) |
| Document Type | Notarized non-recordable document |
| Primary Risk | Affidavit wording not matching destination authority requirements |
Requirements That Matter
Texas SOS guidance treats single status affidavits as notarized non-recordable documents. The packet must be complete, and the notarial certificate must be valid and legible.
Must Have
- Original signed affidavit with complete notarial certificate.
- Form 2102 with destination country and return details.
- Correct fee payment and return envelope or shipping label.
- If remotely notarized: include online notary certificate requirements listed by SOS.
High-Risk Mistakes
- Using affidavit wording not accepted by the destination authority.
- Submitting incomplete Form 2102 or omitting return shipping details.
- Mailing without correct payment or payable name format.
- Detaching the apostille certificate after issuance.
Step-by-Step Texas Process
Confirm country requirements first
Confirm whether a universal apostille is sufficient and whether non-Hague destinations also require U.S. Department of State and consular legalization; verify required affidavit language.
Draft and notarize the affidavit
Sign in front of a notary and ensure the notarial certificate is complete and readable. Remote notarization can be used if SOS online notary requirements are met.
Prepare Form 2102 and payment
Complete all form fields, including destination country, return method, and contact details. Include $15 per apostille request.
Submit to Texas SOS
Mail or deliver to the Authentications Unit. SOS currently notes no expedited mail service and provides separate in-person workflows.
Receive and verify final packet
Keep the universal apostille attached to the affidavit and submit exactly as required by the foreign authority.
Fees and Processing Timing
| Service Item | Current Texas SOS Guidance |
|---|---|
| Universal apostille | $15 per document |
| Authentication certificate | $5 per document |
| Mail processing | Up to 25 business days from receipt; current processing may exceed this timeframe |
| Expedited mail processing | Not available |
| Payment (mail) | Check or money order payable to Secretary of State |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need county clerk authentication before Texas SOS?▼
Current Texas SOS apostille instructions for non-recordable notarized documents list notarization standards and SOS submission steps. They do not list county clerk pre-authentication as a standard requirement for this document type.
Can I use remote online notarization (RON)?▼
Yes. Texas SOS notes online notarized records can be submitted if required online notary certificate and verification elements are included.
How long does Texas mail processing take now?▼
Texas SOS currently lists up to 25 business days from receipt; current processing may exceed this timeframe.
What if my destination country is not in the Hague Convention?▼
Texas SOS issues a universal apostille certificate; for non-Hague destinations, confirm additional U.S. Department of State and consular legalization requirements.
Does Texas issue an official “single status” certificate?▼
Texas DSHS provides marriage verification records. Many foreign authorities still request a sworn single status affidavit, so verify the exact accepted format before filing.
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 Legalization Sources
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
Last verification update: February 16, 2026
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