Notarial Authentication of Documents in South Africa (read more)

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Notarial Authentication of Documents in South Africa

There are certain original documents that can only be authenticated by DIRCO (Department International Relations and Co-operation) which is in Pretoria such as:-

  • Department of Home Affairs Documents (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate, Letter of No-Impediment or Single Status Affidavit).
  • Police Clearance Certficates.

If you require any assistance in couriering these documents to DIRCO then for more assistance please click here.

There are certain other documents which must first be Authenticated by relevant Departments before presentation for either an Apostille or DIRCO (Department International Relations and Co-operation) which is in Pretoria before such document can be submitted to the relevant Embassy for Attestation, such as:-

  • Degrees, Diplomas and Academic Transcripts / Step 1. Documents must be presented to Department of Education for Authentication.
  • School Qualifications and Transfer Documents / Step 1. Documents must be presented to Department of Basic Education or Umalusi for Authentication.

For any assistance please click here.

There are other documents which can be presented to a Notary Public for either an Apostille or DIRCO (Department International Relations and Co-operation) which is in Pretoria before such document can be submitted to the relevant Embassy for Attestation, and the process is:-

Apostille Process (2 Step Process)

  • Step 1. Notary Copies / Official Translations to be presented to Notary to enable Notary to prepare the Notarial Authentication Certificate.
  • Step 2. Documents will then be presented to the High Court for Authentication in the district where the Notary Public works / resides (Apostille).

Long Process (4 Step Process)

  • Step 1. Notary Copies / Official Translations to be presented to Notary to enable Notary to prepare the Notarial Authentication Certificate.
  • Step 2. Documents will then be presented to the High Court for Authentication in the district where the Notary Public works / resides.
  • Step 3. Documents will then be presented to the DIRCO (Department International Relations and Co-operation) for Authentication (Pretoria).
  • Step 4. Documents will then be presented to the relevant Embassy for final Authentication / Attestation.

For any assistance please click here.

Please be aware that before you have any document authenticated you must either:

  1. Contact a Notary Public for assistance / advice, and/or
  2. Contact the relevant embassy to find out what their procedure is for Authentication (embassy requirements may differ).

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