Document authentication is a vital procedure that confirms the authenticity of documents. It is a requirement in South Africa, document authentication is required for a variety of reasons that include but are not only for traveling overseas, studying abroad or working in a different country. The authentication process is various steps to be performed with care. This article we’ll look at the authentication process for documents within South Africa step-by-step.
Step 1: Obtain the original document
The first step of the process of document authentication is to acquire the original document which needs to be verified. It could be a diploma certificate, birth certificate or any other type of document that needs authentication.
Step 2: Get a certified copy of the document
After you have gotten the original document the next step is obtaining an authentic copy. This can be accomplished by visiting a commissioner for swearing, a notary public or an attorney. They will verify that the document is authentic in relation to the document originally.
Step 3: Get an Apostille stamp
Getting an apostille is key feature for documents authentication. The next step is to get an Apostille stamp on the certified document copy. An Apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of the document. It can be obtained from the High Court or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). The fee for obtaining an Apostille varies depending on the document type and the issuing authority’s location.
Step 4: Legalization by the Embassy/Consulate
If the country where you will use the document does not recognize the Apostille Convention, you will need to legalize the document through the embassy or consulate of that country. In this case, you must submit the document to the relevant embassy or consulate for legalization. The legal fees vary depending on the document type and the country where the document will be used.
Step 5: Translation of documents
If the document is in any other language, not in English, you must translate it into English by a sworn translator. The translation should be certified by the translator and notarized by a notary public.
Step 6: Final verification
Once you have obtained the Apostille stamp and legalization (if required) and translated the document (if required), the final step is to have the document verified by the relevant authority in the country where the document will be used. It could be an employer, educational institution, or immigration department. They will verify that the document is authentic and meets their requirements.
In conclusion, document authentication is an important process for various purposes. The process involves:
- Obtaining the original document.
- Getting a certified copy of the document.
- Obtaining an Apostille stamp.
- Legalizing the document (if required).
- Translating the document (if required).
- Verifying the document by the relevant authority.
It is important to follow each step to ensure that the relevant authority properly authenticates and accepts the document.
