For use in South Africa, a Maryland document needs an apostille and nothing more: no embassy, no consulate. How you get it depends on who signed the document.
South Africa has applied the convention since April 30, 1995. Offices there that receive foreign documents, such as civil registries, courts, universities and consulates, check for the apostille rather than an embassy stamp.
The apostille only confirms the signature and seal on your document. Each office in South Africa still sets its own rules about how recent the document must be and whether it needs a translation into English.
Vital records for South Africa
- Certified copySigned and sealed by a Maryland official
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Notarized documents for South Africa
- Sign before a Maryland notaryThe notary's stamp names their county.
- Clerk of the Circuit Court (notary’s county)Authenticates the notary · about $1 per document
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Cost for South Africa
| Option | Per document |
|---|---|
| Vital record, you mail it yourself | $5 |
| Any Maryland document, we file it | $50 |
| Notarized, we handle the clerk too | $50 + $1 |
| Federal (FBI check) | $57 |
South Africa: common questions
Is a Maryland apostille accepted in South Africa?
For use in South Africa, a Maryland document needs an apostille and nothing more: no embassy, no consulate. How you get it depends on who signed the document.
Do I need a translation for South Africa?
Often. Official business in South Africa is conducted in English, Afrikaans and other official languages. If your document is in English, the receiving office may ask for a certified translation into English, usually made after the apostille is attached.
Can I apostille a birth certificate for South Africa myself?
Yes. A certified Maryland birth certificate goes straight to the Secretary of State with a $5 fee. Our free guide explains each step.
What if my document for South Africa is notarized?
Then the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the notary's county must authenticate it first. We handle both offices for you.