An Apostille is a specific type of certification issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) certifying that a document is either an original Australian government document or a document that has been notarised by a Notary Public. DFAT is the only body in Australia that can issue an Apostille.

An Apostille confirms the authenticity of the document's signature, seal, or stamp and the authority of the person or organisation that issued it. An Apostille services as an international seal of approval, verifying that the document is genuine.

An Apostille will only be recognised in a country that is a signatory to the Apostille Convention (Hague Apostille Convention). The Apostille Convention simplifies the process of authenticating documents for international use. Under this Convention, participating countries agree to recognise an Apostille as a valid certification for documents issued by authorities within the same country. Refer to the List of Countries Accepting an Apostille.

If the intended destination country is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, then you may need to have your document "authenticated" by DFAT.

An Apostille is required if you need to use your Australian documents in another country that is a member of the Apostille Convention (currently 126 countries).

You may require an Apostille for various purposes such as:
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Studying or working overseas: Educational qualifications, work experience letters and police clearances may need to be Apostilled for recognition in a foreign country.

Getting married overseas: Birth certificates, marriage certificates and/or divorce orders may need to be Apoostilled to legally marry in a foreign country.

Conducting business overseas: Company documents, powers of attorney, or commercial contracts may need to be Apostilled to expand the company in a foreign country, conduct business in the foreign country or for cross-border transactions.

Legal proceedings in foreign courts: Court orders, affidavits, or other legal documents may need to be Apostilled to be admissible in a foreign jurisdiction.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the only body in Australia that is authorised to issue Apostilles. DFAT issues Apostilles through the passport offices in each capital city in Australia.  

The current DFAT processing time for an Apostille is up to 3 business days.

We can have your document Apostilled by DFAT for you. We attend DFAT daily and offer a fully managed service - no appointment required.

Book online instantly by following this link to our booking platform. The platform will guide you through the process and provide a summary of the service and price prior to payment.

DFAT charges a fee of $98 per Apostille.

As a leading provider of Notary Public services we specialise in providing fast low cost Apostille services.

Book online instantly by following this link to our booking platform. The platform will guide you through the process and provide a summary of the service and price prior to payment.

‍Authentication is the process of certifying a document for destination countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention or for documents that do not meet the criteria for an Apostille.

Authentication involves DFAT verifying that the seal and signature on the notarised documents belong to the Notary Public who notarised them.

Once the document has been authenticated by DFAT, it must be presented to the relevant foreign consulate or embassy in Australia before it can be sent to the destination country.

In Australia, a Notary Public (also known as a Public Notary or Notary) is an experienced and specially trained lawyer who is authorised to certify and authenticate documents for use overseas. Notaries play a crucial role in facilitating personal and business transactions overseas. 

The principal functions of a Notary Public are to:
- verify and certify documents for use overseas
- attest documents and certify their execution for use overseas
- prepare Certificates of Good Standing for Australian Companies

If you have a non-Australian government issued document that needs to be recognised overseas, a Notary Public is the only authorised person who can verify and authenticate the document. The Notary Public will apply an official Notary seal and signature to the document which is recognised by DFAT and internationally.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will not Apostille or Authenticate a document that has been certified or witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or other authorised witness.

Notary fees in NSW are regulated by the Legal Profession Admissions Board and published on the Society of Notaries of NSW website.

Swift Notary offer transparent prices which are displayed on their Pricing page.