Identity Document Urgent Apostille Service
A South African identity document (ID) is a government-issued document that confirms the identity and citizenship of an individual. It contains key personal information, including full name, date of birth, photograph, and a unique identification number. Identity documents are widely used for legal, financial, and administrative purposes. When an ID needs to be presented internationally, its authenticity must be verified through a High Court Apostille.
In South Africa, a High Court Apostille for an identity document is issued on a notarised copy of the ID, not on the original. A certified Notary Public first verifies the copy and applies the official notarial seal.
This notarised copy is then submitted to the High Court for Apostille certification, ensuring international recognition in countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
At Global Apostille, our professional team can assist you with the notarisation and High Court apostille of your affidavit to ensure its authenticity and legal compliance in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Get your Identity Document Notary and High Court Apostille
in as little as 1 to 2 working days.
Notarisation and High Court Apostille Process for Identity Documents
The process begins with notarisation by a certified South African Notary Public, who confirms the identity of the holder and certifies the copy of the identity document as true and accurate. Once notarised, the document is submitted to the High Court, where the Apostille certificate is affixed.
The High Court Apostille does not verify the content of the ID itself but confirms that the notarisation has been performed in compliance with legal requirements. This certification allows the identity document to be legally recognised abroad for business, personal, or legal purposes.
Cost of High Court Apostille for Identity Documents
- High Court Apostille: R650 per document
- Notary Public Certification + High Court Apostille: R1,200 per document
Courier delivery for both South African and international clients is available for an additional fee.
Apostille Processing Times
- High Court Apostille: 1–2 working days
Processing times begin after notarisation is complete and may vary depending on the number of documents and submission logistics.
Documents Eligible for High Court Apostille
Identity Document Apostille Requirements
To obtain a High Court Apostille for an identity document, the copy must be:
- Clear and legible, with all personal information visible
- Free of any markings, labels, or alterations
- Notarised by a certified South African Notary Public prior to submission
Only South African-issued identity documents can be apostilled within South Africa. Foreign-issued IDs cannot be apostilled by the South African High Court.