Power of Attorney Apostilles in Texas: What You Need to Know (Austin Edition)

Power of Attorney Apostilles in Texas: What You Need to Know (Austin Edition)

When it comes to getting documents apostilled in Texas, Power of Attorney (POA) forms top the list. Whether you’re handling business overseas, managing property for a family member, or finalizing corporate filings abroad, you’ll need your POA authenticated and legalized correctly before it’s accepted outside the U.S.

Here’s how to make sure your Power of Attorney passes the Texas Apostille test — Austin style:

1. Use the right notary wording.
Your POA can be written in any language, but the notary section must be fully in English. You’ll need either a Jurat (short form) or Acknowledgment (long form) added to the document before it’s notarized. Here’s what that looks like:

Short Form (Jurat)

State of Texas  
County of __________  

Sworn to and subscribed before me on this ___ day of ______, 20__, by ____________.  

Texas Notary Public Signature

Long Form (Acknowledgment)

State of Texas  
County of __________  

Before me, __________ (Notary Public name), on this day personally appeared __________ (POA signer), known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes stated.  

Given under my hand and seal of office this ___ day of ______, 20__.  

Texas Notary Public Signature

2. Sign it in person — no shortcuts.
Your signature must be original and done in front of a Texas notary. No scans, stamps, or digital signatures allowed. Think blue ink, not blue checkmark.

3. The notary must sign in person too.
Texas only accepts wet-ink notary signatures for POA apostilles. Online, remote, or electronic notarizations won’t fly for this purpose. Make sure you’re meeting a notary face-to-face — right here in Texas.

4. Use a Texas notary only.
If your POA will be authenticated by the Texas Secretary of State, the notary must be commissioned in Texas. Notaries from other states (even just across the border) don’t qualify.

5. Send the original document.
When submitting for apostille, only originals are accepted. Copies, scans, or PDFs won’t make it through. The Texas Secretary of State must see the actual notarized document.

Ready to get started?
Mail your Power of Attorney to our Austin-based processing center, and we’ll handle the rest — from notarization guidance to apostille and international shipping.

Visit our Apostille page to start your order today.