Houston, TX
Federal Marriage Record Apostille in Houston, TX
How Houston residents get their Federal Marriage Record authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, the local details, timing and price.
Quick answer
Most federal marriage record holders in Houston actually have a Texas state record, which goes to the Texas Secretary of State. Only genuinely federal versions go to the U.S. Department of State.
- County
- Harris County
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- State apostille office
- Texas Secretary of State, Austin
- Our nearest office
- Houston
Married in Texas? It’s probably a state record
Marriage certificates issued by a Texas county clerk or the state vital records office are state documents, apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State in Austin — not by the U.S. Department of State. Only consular or federally issued marriage records take the federal route.
Send us a photo before ordering and we’ll tell you which route yours takes.
Houston: the local details
Houston is in Harris County, within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Texas state documents are apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State in Austin.
About the Federal Marriage Record
How to apostille a federally issued or consular marriage record for spousal visas and foreign registration.
Getting it done from Houston
Our Houston office serves Houston directly, and most clients still send documents by mail.
| Destination | Route | Our turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Hague Convention country | U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days |
| Non-Hague country | Authentication + embassy legalization | 15–17 business days |
Federal Marriage Record in Houston — FAQ
Is there an apostille office in Houston for a Federal Marriage Record?
State-issued versions go to the Texas Secretary of State in Austin; federal versions go to the U.S. Department of State.
Do I need to visit an office in Houston?
No. Houston clients send documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Houston?
About 10–12 business days for Hague Convention countries and 15–17 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, plus shipping.
How much does it cost?
$299 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Which federal court covers Houston?
Houston is in Harris County, within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Related: All documents in Houston · Federal Marriage Record in Texas · Federal Marriage Record — full guide
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