Why do I need an apostille on my Texas birth certificate?

Generally, an apostille on a birth certificate is required when a person is moving to another country to work, study, or marriage. Also, if you apply for dual citizenship, you will be asked to provide an apostilled birth certificate among other documents. An apostille confirms the authenticity of your birth certificate, including the stamps and signatures on it, and makes it legally accepted by all member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. 

How can I get an apostille on my Texas Birth Certificate? 

First, you need to obtain an original or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Texas Department of State Health Services. In Texas Vital Statistics department provides several types of birth and records. When you order your birth certificate, please make sure you select the type of record appropriate for your needs.  Below you can find types of birth records:

Long Form Birth Certificate

This is the most comprehensive certified birth record. It is a copy of the original birth certificate. It will also show a history of corrections that have been made to the birth record.

Long form birth certificates are required to obtain: 

• U.S. Passport
• Driver's license (in most U.S. states)
• Dual citizenship

Short Form Birth Certificate

This is a certified abstract of the birth record. This birth certificate will only show current information for the individual's name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and name of parent(s). This form will not show a history of corrections.

Short form birth certificates can be used for: 

• School and/or sports registration
• Employment requirements
• Insurance requirements

Heirloom Birth Certificate

Heirloom birth certificates are abstracts of the birth certificate and are primarily used for framing and display. The information on an heirloom birth certificate is similar to a "short form."

Birth Verification

A birth verification letter should include the individual's name, the date of birth, and the county where the birth occurred. Verification letters are available for births that have occurred since 1903. Verification letters are not considered legal substitutes for certified copies of birth certificates. 

Texas birth certificate apostille is usually obtained on a long form of the certificate. Once you receive your certificated copy or an original birth certificate you should mail it to our office for apostille processing. Remember, birth certificates issued in Texas can only receive Texas Apostille. 

Obtaining a birth certificate apostille is a complicated process and should always be handled by professionals only. Remember that trusting your important documents to incompetent people unfamiliar with the specifics of each country, may lead you to extra expenses, and delays of your important business by weeks, or even months. Complicated matters must be handled by experts, and that’s why we recommend that you should allow Global Apostille to take care of obtaining your Birth Certificate apostille.

For any questions, please visit our FAQ page or Contact Us page.