Passport Copy Urgent Apostille Service
A passport is an official travel document issued by the government to its citizens, verifying both identity and nationality. It contains essential information such as the holder’s name, date of birth, place of birth, address, photograph, signature, passport number, and dates of issuance and expiry. When a passport or its certified copy needs to be presented internationally, questions regarding authenticity and validity often arise. In such cases, a High Court Apostille provides official certification that a notarised copy of the passport is genuine and legally recognised abroad.
In South Africa, passport copies cannot be apostilled on the original passport itself. Instead, a certified copy of the passport photo page is prepared and notarised by a certified South African Notary Public before submission to the High Court for Apostille certification.
This ensures that the copy is legally valid for presentation 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 power of attorney to ensure its authenticity and legal compliance in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Get your Notary and Passport High Court apostille Service in 1 to 2 working days.
Notarisation and High Court Apostille Process for Passport Copies
The process for obtaining a High Court Apostille for a passport copy begins with notarisation. A certified Notary Public verifies the identity of the passport holder, certifies the copy as true, and applies the official notarial seal. Once notarised, the copy is submitted to the High Court for Apostille certification. The High Court affixes the Apostille certificate to the notarised copy, confirming its authenticity for international use.
The Apostille does not validate the content of the passport but confirms that the copy has been properly notarised and is legally recognised in other Hague Convention countries. This procedure ensures compliance with international legal standards for document use abroad.
Cost of High Court Apostille for Passport Copies
- High Court Apostille: R650 per document
- Notary Public Certification + High Court Apostille: R1,200 per document
Apostille Processing Times
- High Court Apostille: 1–2 working days
Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the notarisation and High Court submission. All passport copies must be notarised before High Court Apostille certification can be issued.
Common Documents Eligible for High Court Apostille
Passport Copy Apostille Requirements
To qualify for notarisation and High Court apostille certification, the passport copy must be in good condition, with all information clearly legible. The document should be free of alterations, foreign markings, or labels that may affect verification. Notarisation by a certified South African Notary Public is required prior to submission to the High Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my passport need to be apostilled?
If you intend to use a South African passport copy internationally, a High Court Apostille is required for countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. - How quickly can I get a passport copy apostilled?
The High Court Apostille process is typically completed within 1–2 working days after notarisation. - How much does it cost to apostille a passport copy?
- High Court Apostille: R650 per document
- Notary Public certification + High Court Apostille: R1,200 per document
- Can a foreign passport be apostilled in South Africa?
Only documents issued in South Africa can be apostilled in the country. - Can I arrange a High Court Apostille for my passport copy from overseas?
In most cases, you can submit the notarised copy via courier. Depending on the document, the original may be required, but South African documents can generally be processed internationally.