Overview
Our offices in South Africa are unable to carry out notarial acts under the Commissioner of Oaths Act 1889, and on instruction from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London.
This includes certifying documents as true copies of originals, administering oaths or taking affidavits. For these or other notarial acts, or the legalising of documents, please approach a Notary/Commissioner of Oaths, or request the issuing authority attest the validity of the documents.
Letters we provide
If you are trying to access a service from a local authority, and have been asked to obtain a certificate from the High Commission, you can print one of our letters confirming that we do not offer the service in Commonwealth Countries. Please click the links below to download our letters.
Letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services or certificates
You can download a stamped and signed copy of this consular letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services. Click the link below to download the letter.
Occasionally, local authorities will be reluctant to accept a copy of the letter without a recent date stamp. If that is the case, you can book an appointment to collect a letter in person. We encourage you to try the downloaded letter in the first instance. 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 that we cannot provide Certificates of Non-Impediment
You can download a stamped and signed copy of this consular letter confirming that we cannot issue a Certificate of Non-Impediment. Click the link below to download the letter.
Occasionally, local authorities will be reluctant to accept a copy of the letter without a recent date stamp. If that is the case, you can book an appointment to collect a letter in person. We encourage you to try the downloaded letter in the first instance. 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
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 download a copy of our letter confirming this using the link below.
Occasionally, local authorities will be reluctant to accept a copy of the letter without a recent date stamp. If that is the case, you can book an appointment to collect a letter in person. We encourage you to try the downloaded letter in the first instance. 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 citizens who need to verify their driving licenses can do so here. Our offices are unable to confirm the validity of British driving licenses. If you wish to convert your license in South Africa, you should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) 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, Commonwealth & Development 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 FCDO 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.
