An apostilled document that has been authenticated by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in South Africa will bear a specific stamp and signature, indicating that it has been authenticated by the relevant authority.
How Does an Apostille Look?
The apostille certificate issued by DIRCO is a sticker or label that is affixed to the document being apostilled. It is usually placed on the back of the document or on a separate cover sheet that accompanies the document. The certificate contains specific information such as the country where the document was issued, the name of the person who signed the document, the capacity in which the person signed the document, the place and date of the apostille, and the signature of the DIRCO official who authenticated the document.
To know if an apostilled document that has been authenticated by DIRCO is authentic, you can verify the information contained in the apostille certificate. The information should match the details of the document being apostilled, and the signature of the DIRCO official should be present and legible.
In addition, you can also verify the authenticity of the apostille certificate by checking with the relevant authorities in the country where the document will be used. They should be able to confirm whether the apostille certificate was issued by the appropriate authority and whether it is genuine.
It’s important to note that while an apostilled document that has been authenticated by DIRCO is considered valid and authentic, it does not necessarily mean that the content of the document itself is accurate or true. The apostille certificate only confirms the authenticity of the document and the signature of the person who signed it. It is the responsibility of the recipient of the document to verify the content of the document itself.
Since it’s impossible to make an appointment at Dirco, a document agent can assist you in getting your documents apostilled in a hassle-free and timely manner. For more information, get in touch with Doc Assist today.