Apostille & Authentication Services
Document authentication services for international use
At Sun Star Notary, we provide apostille and authentication services for documents that will be used outside of the United States. This service helps ensure your documents are properly processed and recognized by foreign authorities in accordance with international and governmental requirements.
Because apostille and authentication requirements vary by document type, issuing authority, and destination country, all requests are reviewed prior to processing.
What Is an Apostille or Authentication?
An apostille or authentication is a form of certification that verifies the origin of a public document so it can be accepted in another country.
Apostilles are issued for documents going to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention
Authentications are required for countries that are not members of the Hague Convention and may involve additional government or embassy processing
The type of certification required depends entirely on the destination country.
Texas vs. Federal Apostille Services
We assist with both Texas-issued and federal apostille and authentication requests.
Texas Apostille Services
Typically apply to documents such as:
Texas birth, marriage, or death certificates
Texas-issued notarized documents
Texas court or state agency records
Processing is handled through the Texas Secretary of State.
Federal Apostille / Authentication Services
Typically apply to documents such as:
FBI background checks
Federal court documents
Documents issued by U.S. federal agencies
Federal processing is handled through the U.S. Department of State and may require additional coordination.
Federal processing timelines and requirements differ significantly from Texas-level requests.
Common Documents We Assist With
We assist with apostille and authentication requests for a variety of documents, including but not limited to:
Birth, marriage, and death certificates
Powers of attorney
Affidavits and sworn statements
Academic records and diplomas
FBI background checks
Business and corporate documents
Immigration and international-use documents
Document eligibility depends on issuing authority, notarization requirements, and destination country.
Review, Processing & Timelines
Apostille and authentication services are not instant and often involve multiple steps. Each request requires a document review to determine the correct process.
Processing timelines vary based on:
Type of document
Issuing authority
Destination country
State vs. federal processing
Government processing times
Timelines are estimates only and are subject to change based on government agency processing.
Fees, Review & Consultation
Apostille and authentication services require document review prior to acceptance. Pricing depends on the complexity, number of documents, destination country, and processing level.
Fees are not quoted without review
Some requests require additional coordination or courier services
Expedited processing may be available in certain cases
Consultation fee: $25
Once booked, please call our office to verify your appointment.
Important Notes & Limitations
Not all documents are eligible for apostille or authentication
Incorrect or improperly prepared documents may be rejected by government agencies
We do not guarantee acceptance by foreign authorities
Clients are responsible for confirming destination-country requirements
Our role is to assist with the processing and coordination of apostille and authentication services, not to provide legal advice.
Important Disclaimer
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in Texas and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Need documents prepared for international use?
Schedule a consultation or contact our office to begin the apostille or authentication review process.