Notarial Services

Bring the original documents, current photo ID such as a passport, and any instructions from the overseas organisation. Don't sign the documents beforehand.

An apostille is a certificate from DFAT confirming a document's signature or seal. It is accepted by countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Other countries may require legalisation through their consulate instead.

A Justice of the Peace (JP) is a volunteer who can witness statutory declarations and affidavits and certify copies of documents for use within Australia. A solicitor can do the same, and can also explain what the document means. A notary public offers the highest level of assurance. Notaries are experienced lawyers appointed by the Supreme Court, and their signature and seal are recognised by governments, courts and businesses around the world. A notary carefully verifies your identity and your understanding of the document, and keeps a permanent record of each notarial act, so the document can be verified years later. Notarised documents can be apostilled or legalised for use overseas, whereas JP and solicitor certifications generally cannot. For important documents, and especially those going overseas, a notary gives you the strongest protection against rejection, delay or challenge.