# FAQs: Attesting Documents > Frequently asked questions about authenticating documents and obtaining Apostille Stamps in #STATE3# - vital records, divorce judgements, certificates of good standing and degrees issued by #STATE3# universities. **Source** [FAQs - Authenticating Texas documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-faqs)> **Related:** [Texas Apostille Service](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-authentication) · [Apostille Texas Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-vital-records) · [Apostille Texas University and School Diplomas](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-school-records) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry) --- ## General Questions ### How long does it take to obtain an apostille from Texas? Isarey offers an expedited Apostille service for Texas documents. Apostilles are obtained from the Texas Secretary of State in **1 - 2 business days** (TEXAS: Expedited Apostille stamps and Authentications re normally obtained from the Texas Secretary of State in 1 - 2 business days NOTE: All processing times are estimated. Actual processing time is dependant on the authentication authority and is subject to change without prior notice.) ### What documents can be certified in Texas with an Apostille Stamp? Documents signed by officials and notaries public can be certified in for official use outside the United States, including vital record certificates (e.g. birth, death, marriage certificates), state police background checks, educational certificates, university diplomas and notarized private documents (e.g. power of attorney). Documents signed by Federal officials including [FBI Background Checks](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/-attest-background-checks) must be submitted directly to the Authentication Division of the U.S. Department of State.To confirm whether your document is valid for an Apostille Stamp, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for a free document check. ### Will an apostille stamp from Texas be accepted abroad? If documents are required for submission to the authorities or consulate of a signatory country of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention), an apostille stamp affixed by the Secretary of State of will generally be recognized directly as confirming authenticity, although a [certified translation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/certified-sworn-translations) may also be required if presenting to a country that does not have English as an official language. If documents are required for presentation in a country that is not a signatory to the apostille convention (e.g. UAE, Qatar, Taiwan, Vietnam), then an apostille stamp is not valid. Documents will need to be authenticated at State level in , then by the State Department Authentication Division, and finally by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the United States. A Certified Translation may also be required. ### Where can I find more information about certifying Texas documents? For further information about apostilles and authentications or to obtain a quote for assistance submitting your documents, with free eligibility pre-check, international collection and delivery by courier, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) or send Isarey your documents using Isarey's [Online Quotation Form](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry). ### What is a Texas Apostille Stamp and why would I need one? A Apostille is a certificate that is affixed by the Secretary of State to a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official and confirms the capacity of that official (e.g. State Registrar, notary public). Apostille stamps are often required when submitting a document, such as a birth certificate, to the authorities of a foreign country or to a foreign embassy in the United States (for example, as part of a visa or citizenship application). Apostilles are recognised by the authorities and embassies of countries that are members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) For more information on Apostilles, see: - [The ABCs of Apostilles (PDF)](https://assets.hcch.net/upload/abc12e.pdf) - [Texas Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-authentication) ### Where can I see reviews of Isarey's Texas Attestation and Apostille Services? You can see reviews from past clients who have used Isarey's attestation and apostille services: - [ISAREY reviews on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/isarey-document-attestation.com) - [ISAREY reviews on Google](https://goo.gl/maps/cuvbEYN25Xg5b8jg7) ### How can I obtain an Apostille Stamp to certify a document in Texas for use abroad? Apostille Stamps to authenticate documents can be obtained from the Secretary of State. Apostille stamps are only valid for documents that are required for submission to countries that are signatories to the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) - [Texas Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-authentication) ### How do I legalize documents issued in Texas for submission to countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention? documents that need to be authenticated for non-apostille countries (e.g. United Arab Emirates, Qatar) must be authenticated by the Secretary of State with an Authentication Certificate and then attested by the recipient country's embassy in the United States. Most embassies will also require an additional authentication the [U.S. Department of State](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html) in Washington DC. - [Texas Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-authentication) ### What does a Texas Apostille look like? Apostilles follow the standard format laid down in the Apostille Convention. Some examples of documents certified with Apostille stamps: - [Texas Articles of Organization with Apostille Stamp](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Texas-Articles-Organization-Apostille) - [Texas Criminal History Certificate with Apostille Stamp](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Texas-Criminal-History-Certificate-Apostille-Stamp) - [Texas Marriage License with Apostille Stamp](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Texas-Marriage-Licence-Apostille-Stamp) See [What does an Apostille look like?](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/FAQs-Document-Attestation#faq_236_s) ## Birth, death and marriage certificates ### How can I obtain a new certified copy of a Texas birth, death or marriage certificate suitable for an Apostille? Certified copies of Texas birth and death records can be obtained online from VitalChek or from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Texas birth and death records from the last 75 years are restricted and are only available to the person named in the certificate or immediate family. - [Order vital records - Texas Dept of State Health Services](https://ovra.txapps.texas.gov/ovra/order-vital-records) - [VitalChek - order Texas Vital Records](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/vital-records/texas) - [Birth Record FAQs](https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics/frequently-asked-questions/birth-record-faqs) - [Death Record FAQs](https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics/death-records/death-record-faqs) - [Marriage Records - FAQs](https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics/frequently-asked-questions/marriage-divorce-faqs) - [Apostille Texas Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-vital-records)Certified copies of Texas marriage licenses can be obtained from the County Clerk where the licence was purchased. ### How can I obtain an apostille on a vital record certificate issued in Texas? Texas birth and death certificates and certified marriage licenses can be submitted to the Texas Secretary of State in Austin for certification by apostille. The document must have an original signature and embossed (raised) or ink stamped seal of a Texas public official or Texas County Clerk. Birth and death certificates issued before 1980 are not valid for an Apostille. Certificates issued between 1980 and 1999 may also not be valid and may be rejected by the Secretary of State if a match cannot be found in their records.Certified copies of Texas birth and death, certificates can be obtained online from VitalChek or from the Texas Department of State Health Services: - [Order vital records - Texas Dept of State Health Services](https://ovra.txapps.texas.gov/ovra/order-vital-records) - [VitalChek - order Texas Vital Records](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/vital-records/texas) - Certified copies of Texas marriage licenses can be obtained from the County Clerk where the license was purchased. Isarey can obtain certified copies of Texas marriage licenses on behalf of clients requiring an Apostille. Please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey).For further information on obtaining Apostille stamps on Texas vital records, see: - [Apostille Texas Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-vital-records) ## Academic documents ### How can I authenticate Texas university degree certificates for use abroad? To obtain an Apostille affixed to an original Texas School record (High School diploma, University degree certificate or transcripts), contact the school to arrange a certified copy. The certified copy must be signed by the school official in the presence of a Texas notary public. Isarey can arrange notarization of Texas high school diplomas and collection of notarized degrees and transcripts from Texas Universities. Otherwise, an apostille can be affixed to a notarized true copy of the original school record made from a good-quality scan. For further information about authenticating Texas university and school certificates, see: - [Apostille STATE University Diplomas](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/texas-apostille-school-records) - university degree certificates, course transcripts and high school diplomas can also be authenticated as notarized copies. A true copy is certified by a notary (this can often be done from a scan without having to submit the original) and then authenticated with an Apostille Stamp from the Washington DC Secretary of State. Authenticated documents can also be attested by the embassies of Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates. For further information, see: [University Degrees and School Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-apostille-academic-documents)