DIRCO's current Legalisation notice says individual in-person submissions require an online booking. From 1 September 2026, public walk-in submissions were discontinued and booking capacity increased to 80 slots per day, excluding Wednesdays.
For an individual in-person DIRCO Apostille submission, use the official online booking system. DIRCO says public walk-ins ended on 1 September 2026; appointments are offered daily except Wednesdays from 08:30 with 80 slots per day, and no booking is needed for collection.
Quick answer: If you are an individual submitting documents in person to DIRCO's Legalisation Section in Pretoria, the current DIRCO notice says you must make an online booking. From 1 September 2026, public walk-in submissions were discontinued. Appointments are offered daily except Wednesdays from 08:30, with 80 booking slots available per day. No booking is required simply to collect finalised documents.
Certificate Assistance is a private independent document-assistance service and is not DIRCO or any South African government department.
DIRCO provides an official Legalisation Bookings system for individual applicants who want to submit qualifying South African public documents in person.
Use the official DIRCO Legalisation Bookings page to make the appointment.
DIRCO currently states that:
DIRCO's current Legalisation notice and dedicated booking page both state that the public walk-in service was discontinued from 1 September 2026 and that individual clients should use the online booking system.
There is an older operating-hours section lower down on DIRCO's Legalisation Services page that still refers to a small number of walk-in clients. Because that wording conflicts with the newer notice and the dedicated booking page, the safest approach is to follow the current booking notice and obtain a confirmed appointment before travelling to Pretoria.
The Legalisation Section is located at:
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
DIRCO states that clients, couriers and agents must present identification at the main entrance.
No. DIRCO states that no appointment is required for collection of finalised documents. Bring the relevant confirmation email and reference number when registering with security.
DIRCO's current processing guidance distinguishes between submission routes and document volumes.
These are DIRCO's current estimates and are not guaranteed completion times. For a fuller explanation, read our DIRCO Apostille processing-time guide.
DIRCO states that its government Legalisation Services are offered free of charge.
This does not mean every part of the document process is free. Costs can still arise for obtaining the underlying document, courier delivery, notarisation, translation, verification, embassy legalisation or private document-assistance services.
For the difference between the government fee and private-service costs, see our DIRCO Apostille cost guide.
Yes. DIRCO accepts courier submissions. A cover letter should accompany the documents and must identify the destination country and provide current contact details, including an email address and contact number.
The destination country matters because DIRCO uses it to determine whether an Apostille Certificate or Certificate of Authentication is required.
DIRCO's booking guidance allows certain representatives subject to identification and authority requirements.
Immediate family members within the permitted relationship may submit on behalf of one another without a special power of attorney. Non-family representatives may submit on behalf of one acquaintance when the required written authority and proof of identity are presented.
Qualifying South African public documents can include certain original:
The exact preparation route differs by document. Read our guide to which South African documents can be apostilled by DIRCO.
The legalisation route depends mainly on the country where the document will be used. For Hague Apostille Convention destinations, an Apostille may apply. For other destinations, a Certificate of Authentication and possibly further embassy or consular legalisation may be required.
See our Apostille vs Authentication guide and our complete DIRCO Apostille process guide.
At minimum, DIRCO's booking guidance says to bring your appointment confirmation email and proof of identity. You should also ensure the documents you are submitting are the correct originals or verified versions and meet any applicable signature, stamp and age requirements.
Some documents, such as SAPS Police Clearance Certificates and Letters of No Impediment, have specific six-month legalisation rules.
Yes. Certificate Assistance assists clients in South Africa and abroad with qualifying South African documents that require Apostille or Authentication.
This can be useful if you live outside Pretoria, are already overseas, cannot attend personally or need help checking whether the document requires additional preparation before legalisation.
Certificate Assistance currently charges R700 per document for its DIRCO Apostille / Authentication assistance service, with an estimated service lead time of approximately 7–14 days, depending on the document and DIRCO processing. This is a private assistance fee and is separate from DIRCO's government Legalisation Service, which DIRCO states is free of charge.
Government procedures can change. Before travelling or submitting documents, check the current DIRCO Legalisation Services page and DIRCO Legalisation Bookings page.
For private assistance with this process, see our Apostille and Authentication service. Certificate Assistance is an independent private service; the relevant government authority remains responsible for issuing or legalising the official document.
Use DIRCO's official Legalisation Bookings page. DIRCO currently states that appointments are available daily except Wednesdays from 08:30, with 80 booking slots available per day. Bring your confirmation email and proof of identity.
DIRCO's current Legalisation notice and dedicated booking page state that public walk-in submissions were discontinued from 1 September 2026. Individual in-person applicants should use the online booking system before travelling to Pretoria.
No. DIRCO states that no booking is required for collection of finalised documents. Present the confirmation email and reference number when registering with security.
Our guides are prepared to help South Africans understand document requirements, processing, Apostille and Authentication steps, and overseas use. Where possible, we check current requirements against official authorities and clearly distinguish our private service estimates from government processing.
Learn more about Certificate Assistance and our editorial approachCertificate Assistance prepares practical guidance on South African Police Clearance Certificates, Home Affairs records, Apostille and related document processes. We are an independent private support service. Official authorities issue, verify or authenticate documents and control their decisions and processing times. Our guides distinguish official requirements from optional assistance and encourage readers to confirm the latest rules with the receiving authority.
START YOUR REQUEST
Tell us what South African document you need, where it will be used and your timing. We’ll review the details and guide you on the correct next step.
Send us the basics and we’ll help you identify the correct document route, expected process and next steps.
✓ Private South African document assistance
✓ Support for clients in South Africa and abroad
✓ Courier and Apostille guidance where required
WhatsApp: +27 76 391 5008info@certificateassistance.comTell us what South African document you need, where it will be used and your timing. We’ll review the details and explain the next step.