Find the right document authentication route
Answer a few simple questions and receive a recommended route, estimated price and turnaround. You do not need to understand DIRCO or High Court requirements before starting.
DestinationWhere the document will be used
DocumentWhat you need authenticated
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Notarial Copy Authentication
The notary certifies your copy as true to the original and attaches a separate Notarial Authentication Certificate.
Used for: The required first step before a High Court Apostille for Hague countries · Before High Court Authentication and embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries · Public documents, degrees and school certificates where a notarised copy is accepted rather than the original
We need
- Original document, not a photocopy
- Digital original: forward the source email exactly as received (not a screenshot or downloaded copy), or share direct portal login access
Notarial Signature Authentication
The notary confirms your identity, witnesses the signature, then issues the certificate.
Used for: Sworn affidavits · Declarations and consent forms · Minor travel letters · Sponsorship letters · Identity and signature certificates · The required first step before a High Court Apostille for Hague countries or High Court Authentication and embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries; DIRCO does not apply to private documents
Bring with you
- Original document to be signed
- Original SA or international ID or passport
High Court Apostille / Authentication
The Western Cape High Court Apostilles notarised documents for Hague Convention countries, or Authenticates notarised documents for non-Hague Convention countries.
Used for: Private documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits and declarations · Public documents, wherever the receiving authority accepts a notarised copy rather than the original · If the original is required, use DIRCO Apostille / Authentication instead
We need
- Your notarised document
Notarial Certified Copy
The notary compares the copy to the original and certifies it as a true copy. No separate Notarial Authentication Certificate is issued.
Used for: HPCSA and other professional council registrations, including SANC, SACNASP and SAICA
We need
- Original document, not a photocopy
- Digital original: forward the source email exactly as received (not a screenshot or downloaded copy), or share direct portal login access
DIRCO Apostille / Authentication
DIRCO legalises original public documents issued by the South African government: an Apostille for Hague countries, or a Certificate of Authentication for non-Hague countries.
Used for: Birth, marriage and death certificates · Police clearance certificates · Letters of No Impediment · SAQA-verified degrees · Umalusi-verified NSC certificates · DBE-verified school reports · Educational verification must be completed before DIRCO legalisation
We need
- The document needing DIRCO legalisation, with SAQA, Umalusi or DBE verification attached where applicable
- Your destination country
Affidavits & Powers of Attorney
The notary witnesses your signing in person and issues the certificate.
Used for: Powers of Attorney · Sworn affidavits, including au pair letters, marital status letters and dependant status letters
Drafting is included at no additional charge for au pair affidavits only. For a Power of Attorney, you provide your own draft because requirements are country-specific. If a special Power of Attorney needs to be drafted for you, request a separate quote.
Bring with you
- Original document to be signed, or your own draft for a Power of Attorney
- Original SA or international ID or passport
* High Court and DIRCO set these timings, not us, and they are not guaranteed. More on the FAQ.
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