Your Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Death Certificates

Civic Certificates for International Use

Civic certificates, issued by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA), include birth, marriage, and death certificates, letters of no impediment, and divorce decrees. These documents often require legalization for international use. This guide explains how to apostille or authenticate them for travel, work, or study abroad.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

Apostil.co.za can assist in obtaining and legalizing birth, marriage, and death certificates remotely. Download application forms:

Unabridged Birth Certificate
Unabridged Marriage Certificate (post-2000 marriages require DHA-30 form)

Legalization depends on the destination:

Hague Convention Countries: Documents require an apostille from DIRCO using originals.
Non-Members: Documents need notarization by a Public Notary, High Court authentication, and DIRCO legalization (e.g., for Vietnam attestation).

Only unabridged certificates are accepted for legalization; abridged versions are not valid. Check pricing for services.

ID Documents, Passports, and Driver’s Licenses

Copies of ID documents or passports can be notarized and apostilled. Indicate requirements, and Apostil.co.za will manage the process, including sworn translations if needed. For driver’s licenses, obtain a confirmation letter from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) for apostilling, as license copies alone cannot be apostilled. Note: We cannot assist with ID, passport, or driver’s license applications, which require in-person biometrics/testing.

Divorce Decrees

Divorce decrees are obtained from the High Court where the divorce was granted, requiring the case number. Due to poor court accessibility, obtaining decrees can be challenging. Apostil.co.za can assist with notarized, apostilled, or authenticated copies if originals are unavailable. Read more about divorce decrees.

Letter of No Impediment

A Letter of No Impediment proves you’re not currently married, often required for remarriage abroad alongside an apostilled divorce decree. Issued by DHA’s Head Office on official letterhead, signed, and stamped, it’s valid for six months (some countries require shorter validity). Regional office letters are invalid for legalization. An affidavit of single/divorced status may suffice in some cases. See pricing.

Processing Times

DHA processing typically takes 6–8 months abroad (e.g., via embassies) or 2 months in South Africa. Letters of No Impediment for divorcees may take 8 months due to system updates. Post-2000 marriage certificates require a DHA-30 form. Apostil.co.za expedites this to 3–6 months, depending on the document and service chosen. Documents can be apostilled or authenticated before couriering. See pricing.

Submit Your Request

Complete our Home Affairs documentation form to start:

Home Affairs documentation request

We can assist you to obtain Home Affairs documentation such as Birth certificates, Marriage certificates and Letters of No Impediment for South Africa in record time. Please complete the form below for us to start helping you.

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Do you require the document expedited / on express timing?
Only available for Birth and Marriage Certificates and Letters of No Impediment.
Do you need it apostilled or attested?*
Where do you require the document/s couriered to?*
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- I consent to the processing of my personal information and to receiving communications in accordance with Apostil.co.za’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

FAQs

How to get a SA ID as a foreigner? Requires permanent residency; submit permit, proof of residence, and ID documents to DHA. Apostil.co.za guides and assists with translations/notarizations.
Can an unmarried father register a birth? Yes, with both parents’ IDs and a birth notification form at DHA. Apostil.co.za provides guidance.
Can a foreigner get a driver’s license? Yes, with a valid foreign permit and passing SA tests. Apostil.co.za assists with document requirements.
How long for foreign citizenship? At least five years as a permanent resident. Apostil.co.za helps with applications.
What if a South African marries a foreigner? The spouse can apply for a spousal visa, leading to residency. Apostil.co.za assists with marriage registration.

Does a surname change automatically after marriage? No, apply at DHA. Apostil.co.za ensures correct submission.
Is a handwritten marriage certificate valid? Yes, if issued by an authorized officer and registered with DHA. Apostil.co.za verifies and legalizes.
How to get an unabridged birth certificate? Apply at DHA with child/parent IDs. Apostil.co.za streamlines the process.
Unabridged vs. abridged birth certificate? Unabridged includes parental details; abridged only child’s. Apostil.co.za assists with the correct type.
Can you fly with an unabridged birth certificate? Yes, required for minors’ international travel. Apostil.co.za ensures proper legalization.

Simplify with Apostil.co.za

Legalizing civic certificates for international use is complex. Apostil.co.za streamlines obtaining and apostilling/authenticating DHA documents, ensuring compliance. Visit our pricing page to start!

Letter of No Impediment for South Africa

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