Legalise Documents

The following original official South African public documents may be submitted directly to Apostille Services (PTY) Ltd., provided they are signed and stamped by the relevant issuing authority:

1. Home Affairs Documents

• Original unabridged or full birth, marriage, and/or death certificates

• Letters of No Impediment (confirming marital status)

• Citizenship confirmation letters, including those confirming naturalisation or renunciation

These must be duly signed and stamped by an authorised Department of Home Affairs official.
Refer to the “Important Notes” section below for additional guidance on civic documentation.

2. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

• The original, valid Police Clearance Certificate, signed and stamped by the South African Police Service (SAPS) – specifically the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management unit (formerly the CRC).

Note: A PCC is only valid for six months from the date of issue.

3. Adoption Papers

• Original adoption orders, signed and stamped by either:

  • The Presiding Officer / Commissioner of Child Welfare (Children’s Court), or

  • The Registrar of Adoptions at the Department of Social Development

4. Driver’s Licence Confirmation

• Original confirmation letters issued by the Department of Transport – Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), verifying the validity of a driver’s licence.

Note: The actual driver’s licence cannot be legalised—only the confirmation letter can.

Apostille or Authentication?

If the destination country is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention:

An Apostille Certificate will be issued and affixed.

No further authentication is required by foreign embassies or consulates.

If the destination country is not a signatory to the Hague Convention:

A Certificate of Authentication will be issued and affixed.

Further legalisation may be required at the relevant embassy or consulate.