Quick Answer
DIRCO apostilles are for government-issued documents (birth certificates, police clearances, degrees) and take 1-2 weeks. High Court apostilles are for notarised/private documents (powers of attorney, affidavits) and take 3 business days. The type of document determines which apostille authority you need - you cannot choose between them.
DIRCO Apostille
- Government documents
- Birth certificates
- Police clearances
- Degrees & diplomas
- Marriage certificates
High Court Apostille
- Notarised documents
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits
- Declarations
- Notarised copies
In This Guide
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | DIRCO Apostille | High Court Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) | South African High Court |
| Document Types | Government-issued documents | Notarised/private documents |
| Processing Time | 1-2 weeks (standard) | ~3 business days |
| Location | DIRCO Head Office, Pretoria only | Any High Court in South Africa |
| Pre-requisite | Original government document | Document must be notarised first |
| Verification Process | Verifies with issuing government department | Verifies notary's signature on file |
DIRCO Apostille Explained
DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) is South Africa's official competent authority for apostilling government-issued documents. This includes any document issued by a South African government department or state institution.
Documents Requiring DIRCO Apostille
DIRCO Apostille Process
Obtain Original Document
Get the original government document from the relevant department (e.g., Home Affairs for birth certificates, SAPS for police clearance).
Submit to DIRCO
Submit the original document to DIRCO Head Office in Pretoria (460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale). You can go in person or use a professional service.
Verification & Processing
DIRCO verifies the document's authenticity with the issuing department. This takes 1-2 weeks.
Collection
Collect your apostilled document from DIRCO. The apostille certificate is attached to your original document.
High Court Apostille Explained
The High Court of South Africa issues apostilles for documents that have been notarised by a South African notary public. The notary's signature must be on file with the High Court for verification.
Documents Requiring High Court Apostille
High Court Apostille Process
Prepare Your Document
Draft or obtain the document you need apostilled (e.g., power of attorney, affidavit).
Get Document Notarised
Have a South African notary public notarise the document. This is a mandatory step - the High Court will not apostille non-notarised documents.
Submit to High Court
Submit the notarised document to any South African High Court. Unlike DIRCO, you can use any High Court location.
Collection (~3 Days)
Collect your apostilled document. The High Court verifies the notary's signature against their records and issues the apostille.
Why Is High Court Faster?
High Court apostilles are faster because the court only needs to verify the notary's signature, which is already on file. DIRCO must verify each document with its issuing department, which requires more time.
Which Apostille for Your Document?
Use this quick reference guide to determine which apostille you need:
| Document | Apostille Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | DIRCO | Original from Home Affairs |
| Police Clearance (PCC) | DIRCO | Original from SAPS |
| University Degree | DIRCO | Original from university |
| Marriage Certificate | DIRCO | Original from Home Affairs |
| Power of Attorney | High Court | Must be notarised first |
| Affidavit | High Court | Must be notarised first |
| Company Resolution | High Court | Must be notarised first |
| Copy of Passport | High Court | Must be notarised first |
| CIPC Company Certificate | DIRCO | Original from CIPC |
| SAQA Verification | DIRCO | Original from SAQA |
Processing Time Comparison
Plan Ahead for DIRCO
If you need a DIRCO apostille, allow at least 3-4 weeks total processing time. During peak periods (December-January, June-July), processing may take longer.
Cost Comparison
Pricing varies based on document type, service level, and specific requirements. Contact us for a personalised quote tailored to your needs.
Get a Free Quote
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting to Wrong Authority
Sending a birth certificate to High Court or a power of attorney to DIRCO will result in rejection. Always check which apostille type your document requires.
Not Notarising Before High Court
Documents submitted to High Court MUST be notarised first. The court cannot apostille documents that haven't been certified by a notary public.
Using Copies Instead of Originals for DIRCO
DIRCO requires original government documents. If you only have a copy, you'll need to get a certified copy notarised and then use the High Court apostille route.
Underestimating Processing Time
Don't leave DIRCO apostilles until the last minute. Build in buffer time for potential delays, especially during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an apostille for my degree if I only have a copy?
Yes, but you'll need to follow the High Court route instead of DIRCO. Have a notary public certify the copy as a true copy of the original, then get a High Court apostille on the notarised copy. Alternatively, request a replacement original from your university and use the DIRCO route.
My document needs both notarisation AND a DIRCO apostille. What do I do?
This is a common misunderstanding. If a document is government-issued (like a birth certificate), it goes to DIRCO directly - no notarisation needed. If a document needs notarisation (like a power of attorney), it goes to High Court - not DIRCO. The two paths don't typically combine.
Can I submit to any High Court in South Africa?
Yes, you can submit notarised documents to any High Court in South Africa for apostille. However, DIRCO apostilles can only be obtained from the DIRCO Head Office in Pretoria.
Is a "legalisation" the same as an apostille?
No. An apostille is a simplified form of authentication used between Hague Convention member countries. Legalisation (also called embassy attestation) is a more complex process required for countries NOT in the Hague Convention, involving multiple steps including embassy certification. Learn more about the differences.
Not Sure Which Apostille You Need?
Send us your document details and we'll tell you exactly which apostille is required - no obligation.