Document intake
Identify the state of origin, document type, destination country, and recipient's requirements.
Hancocksigning · International document support
Your documents, ready for the world.
Thoughtful apostille and authentication assistance for eligible Texas documents intended for use abroad. From understanding the process to coordinating the next steps, we're here to make a complex request feel more manageable.
Local care · International purposeDocument services, thoughtfully arranged
An easier path forward
International paperwork deserves a more considered approach.
Whether you're preparing personal records, business paperwork, or education documents for use outside the United States, the details matter. The issuing state, document format, destination country, and recipient's instructions can affect the next steps.
Hancocksigning can discuss eligible notarial preparation and coordination options for Texas documents. The Texas Secretary of State—not a notary business—issues apostilles for Texas public records.
Document-type reviewNotarial preparationProcess coordinationClear next steps
How we can assist
Thoughtful service at every stage.
Support is tailored to the document and destination. We discuss available services before committing to a specific process or turnaround.
Eligible notarization
Arrange notarization for qualifying documents that need a Texas notarial act before submission.
Submission guidance
Discuss official forms, document routing, and possible assistance with submission logistics.
Delivery planning
Consider return delivery, the receiving country's instructions, and any additional authentication steps.
Apostilles and authentications are government-issued certificates. Service availability, handling arrangements, and any third-party fees must be confirmed before booking.
Common document purposes
For life's important international moments.
Different documents have different requirements. These categories help you recognize what may need attention before submission.
Education & personal
Study, family & travel
Diplomas, transcripts, personal statements and certain family records may require different forms of certification.
Business & corporate
Business across borders
Company documents, commercial records, and authorizations for use abroad may require official certification.
Legal & administrative
Important official records
Affidavits, powers of attorney, and selected government-issued records are reviewed according to their document type.
Know before you send
Not every document follows the same route.
Some documents must be submitted as certified government records; others may require an original Texas notarization. For example, a notary cannot replace an official birth or marriage certificate with a notarized photocopy.
The issuing authority matters: Texas does not apostille federal documents or records issued by other states.
For the authoritative requirements, consult the Texas Secretary of State's authentication guidance ↗.
Texas birth recordsMarriage recordsSchool transcriptsAcademic diplomasPrepared affidavitsEligible powers of attorneyBusiness recordsNotarized statementsOfficial certified copiesTranslations, when applicable
The Hancocksigning experience
A clearer route, in four steps.
01
Tell us your destination
Share the country where the documents will be used, their type, and the issuing authority.
02
Confirm eligibility
We discuss the appropriate next steps and available notarization or coordination options.
03
Prepare & submit
Gather original records, certified copies or eligible notarized documents and required official forms.
04
Complete the journey
The issuing agency processes the request; return delivery and any additional foreign-country steps follow.
Flexible preparation & coordination
A calm, professional experience from the first conversation.
Begin with a document consultation. Depending on your needs, we can discuss eligible Houston-area mobile notarization and available apostille coordination services.
We can also direct you to official Texas submission instructions so you can make informed decisions about your documents.
Explore Your Options ↗Answers before you begin
International documents, clearly explained.
The receiving country and issuing authority can change what is required. Confirm the destination's requirements before sending originals.
Official Texas Instructions ↗Does Hancocksigning issue apostilles?
No. The Texas Secretary of State issues apostilles for eligible Texas documents. Hancocksigning may help with eligible notarization and available coordination services.
Is an apostille the same as notarization?
No. Notarization is a separate notarial act. An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates the relevant public official's signature or seal; it does not validate the document's contents.
Can you apostille a Texas birth certificate?
A Texas birth certificate generally must be an appropriate official certified record. A notary cannot turn a photocopy of a recordable government document into an apostille-ready certified record.
What if my document was issued in another state?
Texas generally handles Texas public records and Texas notarized documents. Contact the issuing state's authority for its apostille process.
How long will an apostille take?
Processing depends on the Texas Secretary of State's current submission method, capacity, and document requirements. We do not guarantee government processing or delivery times.
Will I need anything else for a country outside the Apostille Convention?
Possibly. Texas uses a universal apostille certificate, but additional U.S. Department of State or destination-country authentication may be necessary. Check the receiving authority's instructions.
Continue learning
Confidence comes from knowing the process.
Explore our educational resources or go straight to official state instructions.
Knowledge Center
Notarization essentials
Understand the difference between notarial acts and document certifications.
Explore education ↗
Document Center
Prepare your paperwork
Find checklists and guidance for common document questions.
Visit Document Center ↗
Official Texas guidance
Verify the requirements
Read current state instructions for eligible public records, forms, and submission routes.
Texas Secretary of State ↗Hancocksigning · Apostille & Authentication
Wherever your documents are going, begin with clarity.
Tell us what you need, where your documents originated, and where they will be used.
Request Document Assistance ↗Or call (832) 701-5776