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Guidance
Notarial and documentary services guide for South Africa
Letters and informative notes available at British consulates in South Africa
Overview
Consular Officers in Commonwealth countries have no general powers under the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889 to issue certificates.
As South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth, the British High Commission Pretoria is not in a position to comply with the certificates and services. You would therefore need to approach a Notary/Commissioner of Oaths, or have the validity of certificates/documents attested by the issuing authority. The Law Society of South Africa has a list of practising lawyers.
Letters we provide
Letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services or certificates
You can collect a stamped signed copy of the consular letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services or certificates of no impediment, by appointment. If you are unable to come in person, a third person can come and collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Letter confirming the British Government has no objection to dual nationality.
We can provide a letter confirming the British government has no objection to British nationals obtaining the citizenship of another country or citizens of another country applying for British nationality. You can collect a stamped signed copy of this consular letter by apppointment. If you are unable to come in person, a third person can come and collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Services provided by other authorities
Confirmation of the validity of British driving licences
British consulates in South Africa are unable to confirm the validity of British driving licences. British citizens who wish to convert their licences in South Africa should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency in the UK directly from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm.
Telephone: +44 300 790 6801 Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1278 Fax from outside the United Kingdom: +44 (0)1792 786 369
Data protection
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK government departments and public authorities.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. Accordingly the FCO and the British embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Published 15 December 2014