This question combines two of our favorite services, so I get it a lot. Someone needs a power of attorney or affidavit for another country, they want to do it online, and they want to know if the online notarized document can still get an apostille.
The answer is yes, the Texas Secretary of State does apostille online notarizations. But there are a couple things you need to get right.
What the Texas SOS requires
According to the Texas SOS apostille guide, an electronically or online notarized document can be apostilled when it comes with:
- A copy of the notary’s record (their journal entry) showing the date and time, a description of the document, and the signer’s information.
- A notary certificate that says it was an online notarization done by two-way audio and video communication.
Texas law already requires an online notary’s certificate to state that it was an online notarization, so a properly done session will have that. The part people forget is the notary record. Without it, the SOS can reject the request.
Since our online notarizations run through Blue Notary and we handle apostilles too, we include what the SOS needs so you don’t have to figure it out.
The printed copy
The SOS apostilles a paper document. So your electronically notarized document gets printed and sent to the SOS with the supporting record. The apostille is then attached to that printed document.
Will the other country accept it?
This is the part you really need to check. Even with a valid Texas apostille, some countries don’t accept electronically notarized documents. The Texas SOS points this out in their guide too.
Before you book, ask the person, agency or consulate receiving the document:
- Do you accept documents that were notarized online or electronically?
- Do you need a wet ink signature?
- Do you need it issued within a certain time frame?
If they say no to electronic, no problem. We can do the notarization in person with our mobile notary service, then apostille the paper original.
Who this is great for
- People living overseas who need a Texas document apostilled without flying home
- Families signing a power of attorney for property or a relative in Mexico or another Hague country
- Business owners signing corporate documents for foreign partners
- Anyone who needs a notarized statement apostilled quickly
How the process works with us
- Book an online notary session and let us know the document needs an apostille and which country it’s going to.
- Sign with one of our Texas online notaries from wherever you are.
- We prepare the printed document and the notary record for the SOS.
- We submit it for the apostille and send it back to you or straight to where it’s going.
If the country isn’t part of the Hague Convention, there are extra steps. Read Apostille vs Authentication to see how that works.
You can learn more on our online notary page and our Texas apostille services page, or just call me at 832-741-3190 and tell me where your document is going.
Frequently asked questions
Can an out of state online notarization be apostilled in Texas?
No. The Texas SOS only apostilles documents notarized by Texas notaries. A document notarized by a Florida online notary, for example, would go to Florida.
Does an apostilled online notarization work in Mexico?
Mexico is part of the Hague Convention, but the office receiving it decides if it accepts an electronic notarization. Always confirm first.
Can a birth certificate be notarized online and apostilled?
No. Birth certificates don’t get notarized. You apostille a certified copy directly. See How to Apostille a Texas Birth Certificate.
