U.S. Embassy & Consulates
in South Africa

Overview

Notarial services are for all nationalities and are by appointment only. Appointments for notary services in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town are made using the online appointment system. Normally the document to be notarized is for use within the United States, although there may be exceptions. If you have multiple documents to be notarized, you should only make one appointment. You will pay $50 USD, at the Embassy or Consulate on your day of appointment, for each notary seal required.

Fees must be paid in U.S. dollars, South African Rands or by credit or debit card at the time the service is provided.  The card holder must be present and their name must appear on the card.  All currency notes must be in good condition, unsoiled, and without tears or marks.  Additionally, U.S. dollars issued prior to 2013 will not be accepted.

To schedule a notary appointment in Johannesburg email ACSJohannesburg@state.gov using the subject “Notary Appointment Request” and include a description of the document you need notarized.

To schedule a notary appointment in Durban email ACSDurban@state.gov using the subject “Notary Appointment Request” and include a description of the document you need notarized.

To schedule a notary appointment in Cape Town, please click here: Cape Town

On the day of your appointment, you must:

• Bring the complete, unsigned documents to be notarized. Even if there are pages that do not require signature or seals, you must present the entire packet.
• Present a valid government-issued ID such as a passport or driver’s license. The name on the documents must be the same as the name on your ID.
• Pay $50 USD per notary seal.
• Be of sound mind and understand the document you want notarized. Consular staff is not permitted to explain contents to you.
• If your notary service requires a witness, you must arrange for your own witnesses. Consular staff cannot witness your documents.

Examples of Notarial Services Performed At No Charge

DS-3053: To notarize a DS-3053 Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport To a Minor Under Age 16 (PDF, 345K), please review the instructions listed on the form, the information fields that must be completed, and bring your original, valid, government-issued photo ID as well as a photocopy of both sides. As the U.S. Department of State requires that this form be notarized, this service is performed free of charge.

Power of Attorney (in conjunction with U.S. passport applications): When both parents are unable to be personally present to apply for a minor’s U.S. passport, and they wish to designate a third party to do so, they may sign a power of attorney (POA) before a notary public. This POA must contain specific data fields; see a sample.  Note that photocopies of both sides of each parents’ original, valid, government-issued photo ID must be included with the POA. As the U.S. Department of State requires that this form be notarized, this service is performed free of charge.

At the Direct Request of a U.S. Municipal, State or Federal Entity