US Passport Copy · South Africa
US Passport Copy Apostille for South Africa
Route, timeline, translation and price for using a US Passport Copy in South Africa — based on the official Hague Convention status table.
Quick answer
South Africa accepts a U.S. apostille. Your document is apostilled by the state where it was notarized. English generally accepted.
- Route
- State apostille
- Hague member since
- 30 April 1995
- Issuing authority
- US Department of State
- Translation
- English generally accepted.
Is South Africa a Hague Convention country?
Yes. The Apostille Convention has been in force for South Africa since 30 April 1995, and for the United States since 15 October 1981 — so a U.S. apostille is accepted in South Africa with no embassy step.
Why this document takes the state route
A US Passport Copy is certified by a notary, so the signature being authenticated is the notary’s — not a federal official’s. That means it is authenticated by the Secretary of State of the state where it was notarized. For South Africa, that state apostille is the final step.
That apostille comes directly from the state — we don’t provide state-level apostilles. We step in only when a document like this is going to a non-Hague country: after your state authenticates it, we handle the U.S. Department of State and embassy steps, and for Florida notarizations we handle the full chain.
People most often send documents to South Africa for residency, marriage, employment. Receiving offices set their own requirements, so confirm what yours asks for — we’ll help you read it.
About the US Passport Copy
How to apostille a certified copy of a U.S. passport for foreign bank accounts, company formation and property purchases abroad.
You obtain this from US Department of State. We can’t request it on your behalf.
Timeline and price
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State apostille | Varies by state | Issued by the state where the copy was notarized |
| Return shipping | 1–3 days in the U.S. | Tracked courier; worldwide delivery available |
Price: Quoted, government fees and U.S. shipping included.
Translation for South Africa
English generally accepted. If the receiving office asks for a translation anyway, we can arrange a certified one.
How it works
Get it notarized correctly
Confirm the wording and format with the receiving party in South Africa before signing.
Request the state apostille
Send it to the Secretary of State of the state where it was notarized, following that office’s procedure.
Translate if required
Arrange a certified translation if the receiving authority in South Africa needs one.
Use it in South Africa
The state apostille is the final step — no federal or embassy step is needed.
Sources: HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (checked October 2026) · U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document.
US Passport Copy for South Africa — FAQ
Is South Africa part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. The Convention has been in force for South Africa since 30 April 1995, so a U.S. apostille is accepted there directly.
How long does it take to prepare a US Passport Copy for South Africa?
Timing depends on the state where it was notarized; for non-Hague destinations, our federal and embassy steps take 15–17 business days once state authentication is complete.
How much does it cost to send a US Passport Copy to South Africa?
For South Africa, you pay only the state’s own apostille fee, directly to the Secretary of State where it was notarized — this route doesn’t go through us.
Do I need a translation for South Africa?
English generally accepted. We can arrange certified translation with your order.
Can you get the US Passport Copy for me?
No — you obtain it from US Department of State first, then request the apostille from the Secretary of State where it was notarized.
Do I have to be in the United States?
No. Most state Secretary of State offices accept apostille requests by mail — check that office’s current procedure and fee.
Related: US Passport Copy — full guide · All documents for South Africa · Apostille vs. embassy legalization · Why apostilles get rejected
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.