What Is a DIRCO Apostille?

For anyone requiring the authentication of documents for international use, the apostille process is crucial. In South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is responsible for issuing apostilles.

An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in countries that are signatories to The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. DIRCO is the sole authority in South Africa authorized to issue apostilles. The apostille confirms:

  1. The authenticity of the signature on the document.
  2. The capacity in which the person signing the document acted.
  3. The identity of the official seal or stamp appearing on the document.

Once a document is apostilled, it can be used in any of the 120+ member countries of the Hague Convention without further authentication.

How Long Can It Take to Get an Apostille at DIRCO?

The time it takes to get an apostille at DIRCO depends on several factors:

  1. Processing Time at DIRCO: If all your documents are correctly prepared and submitted, DIRCO typically takes 1 to 5 business days to issue an apostille.
  2. Document Preparation: If your documents need prior verification (e.g., authentication by the Department of Home Affairs or a notary public), this can add several days or weeks to the overall timeline.
  3. Courier Services: If you’re mailing your documents to DIRCO, you must also account for courier delivery times, which can vary depending on your location.

To avoid delays, ensure all your documents are in the correct format and properly authenticated before submission.

What Does a DIRCO Apostille Cost?

The costs associated with obtaining a DIRCO apostille include:

  1. DIRCO Fees: The apostille itself is issued free of charge by DIRCO.
  2. Courier or Travel Costs: If you’re mailing your documents to DIRCO or traveling to Pretoria to submit them in person, you’ll incur travel or courier expenses. Courier fees typically range from R150 to R500, depending on the service provider and location.
  3. Professional Services Fees: If you opt for a professional service to handle the process for you, the cost may range from R1,000 to R2,500 per document. These fees usually cover document preparation, courier charges, and assistance with the submission process.

How to Prepare Your Documents for a DIRCO Apostille

To avoid delays, ensure your documents meet all requirements before submission:

  1. Public Documents: Official documents like birth, marriage, or death certificates must be verified by the Department of Home Affairs if not issued in the latest format.
  2. Educational Certificates: These often require authentication by the Department of Basic Education or the Department of Higher Education before being apostilled.
  3. Notarized Documents: Affidavits or private agreements must be notarized by a notary public.

Tips to Expedite the Apostille Process

  • Submit in Person: If you’re near Pretoria, visiting DIRCO in person can save time compared to mailing your documents.
  • Use Express Courier Services: Opt for fast courier services to minimize delays.
  • Hire a Professional Service: An experienced apostille service can handle the process efficiently, saving you time and effort.

Getting an apostille at DIRCO is a straightforward process, but proper preparation is key to avoiding unnecessary delays. At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we understand the complexities of document authentication and are here to assist. Whether you need help with document preparation, submission, or any related legal services, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Burger Huyser Attorneys, and book a consultation.

To speak to one of our experienced attorneys in South Africa for immediate assistance, contact us on the numbers below:

Randburg call 061 516 6878; Roodepoort call 061 516 0091; Sandton call 064 555 3358;  Pretoria call 064 548 4838;

Centurion call 061 516 7117; Alberton call 061 515 4699; Bedfordview call 061 536 3223

DISCLAIMER: Information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to constitute legal advice. READ MORE