Maryland apostille for South Africa
Moving, marrying, studying or doing business in South Africa? Your Maryland documents will need an apostille. Because South Africa belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention, that single certificate replaces embassy legalization.
What South Africa requires
South Africa has applied the Hague Apostille Convention since April 30, 1995, so its courts, ministries, universities and registries are used to receiving US documents with an apostille.
The official languages of South Africa are English, Afrikaans and other official languages. If your document is in English, the office that receives it may ask for a certified translation. Translations are usually done after the apostille is attached, and some offices want the apostille translated too. Ask the receiving office what it requires.
The apostille confirms that the signature and seal on your document are genuine. It does not change what the document says, and the office in South Africa decides whether the document itself meets its rules, for example how recently it was issued.
How we get your apostille for South Africa
Order online
Fill in the order form. We confirm the price and send mailing instructions.
Send the original
Mail or drop off your certified copy or notarized document.
Court and state filing
Notarized documents go to the Circuit Court clerk first, then the Secretary of State issues the apostille.
Shipped back to you
Your apostilled document is shipped with tracking, anywhere in the world.
Documents we apostille for South Africa
Price for South Africa
| Document type | Per document |
|---|---|
| Maryland certified copy (vital, court, SDAT) | $50 |
| Notarized in Maryland | $50 + court fee |
| Federal document (FBI, FDA) | $57 |
South Africa apostille questions
Does South Africa accept apostilles from Maryland?
Yes. South Africa is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille issued by the Maryland Secretary of State is recognized there.
Do I need to take my documents to the South Africa embassy?
No. The apostille replaces embassy or consular legalization for South Africa.
Do I need a translation for South Africa?
Often, yes, if the document is not in English. Translations are usually done after the apostille. Check with the office in South Africa that will receive the document.
How much does a Maryland apostille for South Africa cost?
$50 per document, including the $5 Maryland state fee, plus return shipping. Notarized documents also need a Circuit Court certification, billed at cost.