1. (a) An instrument relating to real or personal property may not be recorded unless it is in English or complies with this section.

2. (b) An authenticated instrument not in English that was executed before August 22, 1897, may be recorded and operate as constructive notice from the date of filing if:

   1. (1) a correct English translation is recorded with the original instrument; and
   2. (2) the accuracy of the translation is sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths.

3. (c) An instrument acknowledged outside the United States or its territories in accordance with Section 121.001(c)(3), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, that contains a certificate, stamp, or seal of a notary public or other official before whom the acknowledgment was taken or an apostille relating to the acknowledgment, any portion of which is not in English, may be recorded and operate as constructive notice from the date of filing if:

   1. (1) a correct English translation of any non-English portion of the certificate, stamp, seal, or apostille is recorded with the original instrument;
   2. (2) the accuracy of the translation is sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths; and
   3. (3) any apostille relating to the acknowledgment complies with the Hague Convention dated October 5, 1961, titled Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.

Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 3486, ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 891, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.