6-8 Business Days
High Court Apostille Service
What is a High Court Apostille?
Certain South African documents cannot be apostilled through DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) but instead require authentication through the High Court of South Africa. This process is used mainly for documents that have been notarised by a Notary Public or issued by officials whose signatures are registered with the High Court.
The High Court apostille confirms that the signature and seal on your document are genuine, making it legally valid for international use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
High Court authentication is usually required for:
Notarised copies of passports, IDs, or driver’s licences
Academic certificates and transcripts certified by a Notary Public
Affidavits and contracts signed before a Notary Public
Powers of Attorney and company documents certified by a Notary Public
Other documents where the original issuer’s signature is not registered with DIRCO
Our Trusted Process: Document Legalization and Authentication.
We assist in simplifying the entire process of obtaining your Birth Certificate. From ensuring your application is correctly completed to tracking its progress, we aim to save you valuable time and effort. With our support, you can avoid common delays caused by incomplete documentation or administrative backlogs.
Due to its time-sensitive nature, we make sure to submit it correctly the first time around to reduce any delays.
6 – 8 Business Days
Document Preparation
Our team of experts will guide you through the documentation requirements to ensure your application is completed correctly the first time. We provide all necessary forms and detailed instructions, helping you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays.
Submission
After careful review, we handle the submission of your application to the High Court in Pretoria on your behalf. Our experienced team ensures that all documents are submitted in accordance with the required procedures, giving you peace of mind that your application is being processed correctly.
Tracking & Follow-Up
After submission, we actively monitor the progress of your application. Our team conducts regular follow-ups to help ensure that your application moves through the process as efficiently as possible. Status updates are provided throughout the process, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Collection & Delivery
Once your certificate has been issued, we arrange collection. The certificate can then be securely delivered to your preferred address locally or internationally. Additional services such as Embassy Stamping can also be arranged where required.
Looking for Fast Document Assistance?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a High Court Apostille?
A High Court apostille is an authentication issued by a division of the South African High Court. It confirms that a Notary Public’s signature and seal on your document are valid, making the document legally acceptable abroad.
Which documents require a High Court Apostille?
Typically, documents that have been notarised by a Notary Public, such as:
-
Certified copies of passports or IDs
-
Academic qualifications and transcripts
-
Affidavits and sworn statements
-
Powers of Attorney
-
Business contracts and company documents
How long does the process take?
High Court apostille processing usually takes 5–10 working days, depending on the workload at the specific High Court division.
What is the difference between DIRCO and High Court apostilles?
-
DIRCO Apostille: For official documents issued by South African authorities (e.g., Home Affairs, SAPS).
-
High Court Apostille: For documents notarised by a Notary Public or those requiring verification through the High Court.
What if the country I’m going to is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
If the destination country is not a signatory, your documents will require full legalisation through DIRCO and the relevant embassy/consulate. We can guide you through this process as well.
Can I get an apostille if I’m outside South Africa?
Yes. You can courier your notarised documents to us, and we’ll handle the High Court process on your behalf.
What if the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
If the country is not a member, your documents will need full legalisation. This includes High Court authentication, DIRCO verification, and legalisation at the relevant embassy or consulate. We can guide you through the entire process.
Do apostilles expire?
The apostille itself does not expire, but the receiving institution may require a recently issued document (for example, an affidavit signed within the last 3 months).
