Apostille Services
Professional apostille facilitation for documents needed internationally. We coordinate with the Texas Secretary of State to deliver accurate, fast processing.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by a government authority that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is required for documents used in countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. The apostille certifies that a document was properly executed and is valid for use abroad.
In Texas, the Secretary of State is the sole authority authorized to issue apostilles. The apostille is attached to or impressed upon the document and includes the seal of the Texas Secretary of State and an official signature.
What Documents Can Be Apostilled?
The Texas Secretary of State can issue apostilles for:
- Notarized documents (certified by a Texas notary public)
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and vital records issued by Texas
- Adoption documents issued by Texas courts
- Divorce decrees and court orders issued by Texas courts
- Power of attorney documents notarized in Texas
- Educational transcripts and diplomas issued by Texas institutions
- Business documents (articles of incorporation, certificates, etc.) issued by Texas
Recordable documents (real property deeds, mortgages) must have been recorded in a Texas county in the last five years to qualify. Non-recordable documents do not have a time limit.
Federal documents and documents issued by states other than Texas must be apostilled by their respective issuing authority.
Apostille Fees
The Texas Secretary of State charges the following fees (per their current fee schedule):
- Standard apostille: $15 per document
- Adoption records: $10 per child (maximum $100 per order)
- Expedited service: additional fees apply
Iron Crown Notary charges a coordination and facilitation fee in addition to the Secretary of State's fees. This fee covers document review, submission, retrieval, and delivery to you. Exact coordination fees are quoted upon request based on document type and turnaround time.
How the Apostille Process Works
Step 1: Document Review
Provide Iron Crown Notary with the document(s) that require an apostille. We review each document to confirm it is eligible and properly prepared for submission to the Secretary of State.
Step 2: Required Documentation
You may need to complete Form 2102 (Application for Apostille and Certificate). Iron Crown Notary will guide you through this process.
Step 3: Submission
Iron Crown Notary submits your documents to the Texas Secretary of State's office on your behalf. Processing time is typically 5–7 business days for standard requests; expedited service is available.
Step 4: Delivery
Once the Secretary of State issues the apostille(s), Iron Crown Notary retrieves and delivers them to you, or arranges pickup at your convenience.
International vs. Hague Countries
If your document is being used in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is sufficient for international recognition. If you are sending a document to a non-Hague country, the apostille may need to be further authenticated by the U.S. Department of State or the appropriate foreign consulate. Iron Crown Notary can advise you on the requirements for your destination country.
Turnaround Time
Standard processing through the Texas Secretary of State typically takes 5–7 business days. Expedited service is available for additional fees. Exact turnaround times are confirmed at the time of your request based on current Secretary of State processing volumes.
How to Request Apostille Services
Contact Iron Crown Notary to discuss your specific document and destination country:
Phone: (214) 537-4799
Email: icare@ironcrownnotary.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Bring or send a copy of the document(s) requiring apostille, and provide details about the destination country and any specific requirements from the receiving organization.
Important Notes
An apostille certifies the authenticity of the document's origin and signatures; it does not translate the document or verify its contents. If you need a translation, you will need to engage a professional translator, and the translation may also require apostille depending on the receiving country's requirements.
Iron Crown Notary does not provide legal advice regarding apostille requirements. We recommend consulting with the destination organization, consulate, or a licensed attorney if you are unsure whether an apostille is required or what additional certifications may be needed.
References
Official Resources:
Texas Secretary of State: Apostille Request
Texas Secretary of State: Authentication Services