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ChecklistNotarial ServicesMedium
Apostille Checklist
Apostille Checklist for preparing documents, facts, dates, and questions connected to notarial services.
Time to prepare1-2 hours
Before you start
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Before submission
0/3 completedOn the day
0/3 completedAfterwards
0/2 completedWhen It Applies
A South African document must be used in a country that accepts apostilles.
A public document, notarial document, or High Court-authenticated document needs apostille handling.
Not For
- Documents for countries that require authentication and embassy legalisation instead of an apostille.
- Advice on whether the overseas authority will accept the document content.
Documents
- Original document or required official letter
- Valid ID or passport
- Receiving-country instructions
- Notarial certificate if applicable
- Booking confirmation
- Courier or collection proof
Timeline
- Before booking: confirm country and document route.
- Submission day: bring originals, ID, and supporting letters.
- After collection: check certificate details and courier securely.
Tips
- Apostille is a document-origin formality for countries using the apostille convention.
- Do not assume every certified copy can be apostilled.
- Ask the receiving institution to confirm the exact document version before submitting.
Warning Signs
- The destination country is not an apostille country.
- The receiving institution requires embassy legalisation.
- The document is abridged, a printout, or an uncertified copy.
- The names or dates differ across documents.
Official sources
- DIRCO Legalisation ServicesApostille and authentication routes for public and notarial documents.
- DIRCO Legalisation BookingsBooking and document categories for public document legalisation.
- South African Government legalising official documentsApostille/certificate of authentication overview and document cautions.
This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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