Notary Services Australia

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

In Australia, Notaries are senior legal practitioners who are qualified to authenticate, prepare, attest, verify, witness and certify original and copy documents for use in Australia and internationally.

You will need documents notarised if

  • Your document is for use in or has been issued by a country other than Australia;
  • You have been specifically requested to do so by the issuer or recipient of your document;
  • You are required to make an oath, declaration or affirmation in front of a Notary Public as opposed to a Lawyer, Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths.

Please see our ‘Fees’ page for charges relating to our services, which are set in accordance with the Notary Scale of Charges.

If you are unable to determine the cost of your document, please send us a message requesting a quote here or call (03) 9642 2270

Yes, all our services are offered by appointment only. We are open Monday to Friday and take appointments between 9:15 AM and 4:45 PM.

Please call us on (03) 9642 2270 to arrange an appointment, or email us at .

An Apostille, or Apostille Certificate is an official government certificate which is attached to the document to be used overseas. This certificate is standard in issue across the world and verifies the stamp and seal of the Notary Public or government body appearing on the document. In countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention, the issuing of this Apostille renders the document legally valid for international use and generally negates the requirement for additional legalisation at Consulates or Embassies.

You will need an Apostille if:

  • Your document is intended for use overseas and the destination country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention; and
  • You have been specifically requested to do so by the issuing or destination authority of your document.

An Authentication is similar to an Apostille but is limited in its effect in that you will still need to obtain consular legalisation. Authentications are also issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia.

You will need an Authentication if:

  • Your document is intended for use overseas and the destination country is not party to the Hague Apostille Convention; and
  • You have been specifically requested to do so by the issuing authority or destination authority of your document.

Legalisation is process required by some countries where a signature or official seal is verified to be true. Legalisation is carried out by a Country’s Embassy or Consular office generally located in Australia. Legalisation fees vary according to the Country, the type of document and whether the document is for commercial or personal use.

We are certainly able to facilitate the authentication of your documents at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on your behalf. Additional charges apply - please email for enquiries or click here for more information.

For appointments with NOTARY SERVICES AUSTRALIA: Call (03) 9642 2270

For appointments with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Call 1300 935 260

As a general rule, where a signature is required to be witnessed on a document intended for use overseas, the witnessing must be done by a Notary Public. If your document is for use domestically, you will generally be able to have your document witnessed by a lawyer, Justice of the Peace, doctor, police officer, pharmacist etc.

We are able to certify your educational documents and testamurs as true copies.

However, please note that per Australian government regulations, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will only issue an Apostille/authenticate testamurs, transcripts and other relevant educational documents if they have been issued by an Australian accredited education provider.

Documents issued by overseas institutions will need to be authenticated in the country of their origin.

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Ph: (+03) 9642 2270

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