Texas
FBI Background Check Apostille in Texas
How Texas residents get their FBI Background Check authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, what the Texas Secretary of State can and can’t do, timing and price.
Quick answer
There is no federal apostille office in Texas. Federal documents like your FBI Background Check are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — the Texas Secretary of State can’t apostille them. We handle the Washington submission; you send the document by mail.
- Authenticated by
- U.S. Department of State
- Texas apostille office
- Texas Secretary of State, Austin
- Our nearest office
- Houston
- Price
- $399 per document, government fees included
FBI check vs. a Texas background check
A background check from the Texas Department of Public Safety is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State in Austin — and foreign authorities asking for a nationwide or FBI record will reject it. The FBI Identity History Summary is the federal record they want, and it’s authenticated only in Washington, D.C.
If a foreign authority specifically asks for a Texas check as well, that one follows the state route. We can advise on both.
About the FBI Background Check
How to apostille an FBI background check for use abroad.
What the Texas Secretary of State can do
The Texas Secretary of State in Austin issues apostilles for documents signed by Texas officials — birth, death and marriage certificates from Texas registrars, Texas state-court records, and documents notarized by Texas notaries. It has no authority over federal documents such as FBI reports, USCIS certificates or IRS letters.
State offices set their own procedures and fees, so confirm current requirements with the office before submitting a state document.
Getting it done from Texas
We have an office in Texas: Houston. Most clients still send documents by mail — it’s the fastest route to Washington.
| 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 |
Serving Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth and everywhere else in Texas.
FBI Background Check in Texas — FAQ
Can the Texas Secretary of State apostille my FBI Background Check?
No. This is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can authenticate it. A state apostille on it would be rejected abroad.
Do I have to travel to Washington, D.C. from Texas?
No. We handle the Washington submission for you. Most Texas clients send their documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Texas?
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?
$399 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Will a Texas background check work instead?
Usually not. A Texas check is a state document and foreign authorities asking for an FBI or nationwide record will reject it.
Related: FBI Background Check — full guide · All documents in Texas · Federal vs. state apostille
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.