Since September 11, 2026, Vietnam is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. For Houston’s Vietnamese community, from Bellaire Boulevard and Alief to Sugar Land and Katy, that means most U.S. documents headed to Vietnam no longer need the old, multi-step embassy legalization. One apostille is usually enough.
This guide explains what changed, which documents still need extra steps, and how to get your Texas or federal documents apostilled for Vietnam without leaving Houston.
Sending documents to Vietnam? Bring them to our west Houston office at 6124 Hwy 6 N, or mail them in. Call 832-530-3652 or see our apostille for Vietnam page.
What Changed
- Vietnam joined the Convention on December 31, 2025, and it took effect for Vietnam on September 11, 2026.
- The United States did not object, so apostilles work between the U.S. and Vietnam. (Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic did object, so apostilles do not yet work between Vietnam and those countries.)
- The Embassy of Vietnam in Washington stopped legalizing U.S. documents on September 11, 2026 and now directs people to the Secretary of State of the state that issued the document.
- Vietnam’s implementing decree (Decree 293/2026/ND-CP) lists the documents an apostille now covers, including civil status records, criminal records, diplomas, medical records, court documents and notarized documents.
Before and After
| Before Sept 11, 2026 | Now | |
|---|---|---|
| Texas document (birth certificate, notarized POA, diploma) | Texas authentication, then U.S. State Department, then Vietnamese embassy or consulate | Texas apostille only |
| Federal document (FBI check, naturalization certificate copy) | U.S. State Department, then Vietnamese embassy or consulate | U.S. State Department apostille only |
| Typical time | Several weeks, multiple offices | Days to a few weeks, one office |
Documents that were already legalized or apostilled before September 11, 2026 remain valid.
Where Your Document Gets Apostilled
- Texas documents (Texas birth, marriage and divorce records, Texas-notarized documents, Texas school records): the Texas Secretary of State in Austin, $15 per document in state fees. See our Texas apostille 2026 guide for walk-in days and appointments, or let us handle it from Houston.
- Federal documents (FBI background checks, federal court records): the U.S. Department of State, $20 per document, by mail, about four weeks.
- Documents from another state (born in California, married in Louisiana): that state’s apostille office, not Texas.
Which Documents Still Need Legalization?
Under Vietnam’s decree, some documents are still outside the apostille system, including:
- Documents made by diplomatic or consular officers, for example a power of attorney signed at a Vietnamese consulate
- Administrative documents tied directly to commercial or customs operations
If your document falls into one of these groups, call us and we will check the route before you spend money.
You Still Need a Vietnamese Translation
An apostille does not translate anything. Vietnam’s decree requires documents that are not in Vietnamese to be translated into Vietnamese, with the translation notarized or certified under Vietnamese law. Ask the office in Vietnam that will receive your documents whether a translation made in the U.S. is accepted or whether it must be done in Vietnam.
Common Documents Houston Families Send to Vietnam
- Birth certificates for children born in Texas. You need a certified copy issued within the last five years.
- Marriage and divorce records for marriage registration in Vietnam.
- Powers of attorney so a relative in Vietnam can handle property, inheritance or banking. Sign before a Texas notary, then get the Texas apostille. Ask the office in Vietnam what wording it needs.
- Diplomas and transcripts for teaching jobs and study. See our diploma apostille page.
- FBI background checks for work permits and residence cards. These go to the U.S. State Department, not Texas. See our FBI apostille service.
Common Mistakes
- Still paying for embassy legalization. For most U.S. documents it is no longer needed.
- Sending a federal document to Texas or a Texas document to the State Department.
- Using an old certified copy. Texas only apostilles certified copies issued within five years.
- Forgetting the translation. Plan for a Vietnamese translation on the Vietnam side.
Cost
Our Texas apostille is $155 per document, with the government fee and return shipping included, and an expedited option at $299. See our pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to go to the Vietnamese consulate in Houston?
For most U.S. documents, no: an apostille replaces consular legalization, and the Embassy in Washington stopped legalizing U.S. documents on September 11, 2026. For an unusual document, call the Consulate General of Vietnam in Houston to confirm.
Is my document legalized before September 2026 still valid?
Yes. Vietnam’s rules keep documents legalized or apostilled before September 11, 2026 valid.
Can Texas apostille my FBI background check for Vietnam?
No. FBI checks are federal and are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
Can I get an electronic apostille for Vietnam?
Vietnam’s decree allows electronic apostilles, but as of fall 2026 the system had not launched. Paper apostilles are the current route.
Get It Done in Houston
We check your documents, handle the Texas or federal apostille, and tell you what Vietnam will ask for next. Walk in at 6124 Hwy 6 N, book a visit, request a quote, or call 832-530-3652.
Information current as of November 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the receiving office in Vietnam. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Related Services and Guides
- Apostille for Vietnam from Houston
- Texas apostille 2026: walk-in days and appointments
- Embassy legalization for non-Hague countries
- FBI background check apostille