DIRCO Apostille “Expedited” Services: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been told that you can “fast-track” an apostille through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), it’s time to be cautious.
👉 DIRCO does not allow expedited apostille services
DIRCO is the only authority in South Africa that may issue apostilles for government issued documents under the Hague Convention. They process documents in strict order — there are no shortcuts.
Why “expedited DIRCO apostilles” are risky
Any company offering “express” or “same-day” DIRCO apostilles may be:
Misleading clients – charging extra while still using the normal queue.
Engaging in bribery or corruption – illegally paying officials to jump the line, which risks invalidating your documents and exposing you to legal consequences.
What a law firm like Benaters offers
Unlike agencies or unregulated middlemen, Benaters is a law firm. This means:
Legal protection for clients
Your matter is handled under strict professional rules.
Professional indemnity insurance
Additional reassurance that your rights are protected.
Ethical standards
We are legally bound to act only in your best interests.
Accountability
As attorneys, we can be held to the highest professional conduct.
How we help, lawfully
While we cannot speed up DIRCO, we can:
Prepare your documents correctly to avoid delays.
Handle notarisation, authentication, and High Court processes (which may be faster than DIRCO).
Submit and collect documents at DIRCO on your behalf.
Provide legal certainty that your documents will be accepted abroad.
Why trust matters
When it comes to international documents, mistakes or illegal shortcuts can have serious consequences. With Benaters, you have the reassurance of a reputable Johannesburg and Sandton law firm handling your matter transparently and lawfully.
📞 Need help with an apostille, notarial services, or document legalisation? Contact Benaters today and ensure your documents are in safe hands.
FAQ: Can You Get an Expedited DIRCO Apostille?
The short answer: No.
DIRCO has confirmed that there is no legal way to fast-track an apostille. Documents are processed strictly in order of submission. Anyone promising “same-day DIRCO apostilles” is either misleading you or engaging in corruption.
What you can do
A law firm like Benaters can:
Ensure your documents meet all requirements before submission.
Notarise and authenticate documents through the High Court (a separate process that can often be quicker).
Submit and collect your apostilled documents from DIRCO.
Guide you through embassy legalisation where required.
Why choose a law firm instead of an agency?
When you work with Benaters, you are protected. As a regulated South African law firm:
We are bound by professional ethics.
We carry professional indemnity insurance.
We act only in your best interests.
You enjoy legal accountability that unregulated providers cannot offer.
👉 Bottom line: There is no legal “fast track” at DIRCO — but with Benaters, you can be certain your documents are handled correctly, lawfully, and securely.