Need a DFAT Apostille or Authentication?

Apostille Services
If you require an Apostille or Authentication Stamp quickly, please book online or
Call / Text: 0483 045 589.

This office provides the full range of notarial services and administration services for arranging stamping by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Where an ORIGINAL Australian or State Government document is required to be sent overseas (for example, a Police Clearance Certificate, a Birth Certificate, a Marriage Certificate or a Death Certificate), no notarization is permitted on the original Australian or State government document – all that needs to be ascertained by the client is whether an Apostille or Authentication certificate from DFAT is required by the overseas entity.

As is conventional where professional services are required, we will provide specific advice on the day of any appointment made with this office. For simple queries relating to preliminary information but not detailed advice, our Office Manager can be reached on +61 483 045 589. If your query is complex and time-consuming, then appropriate advice will be provided at the appointment with the Notary.

It is the client’s responsibility to determine whether an Australian Apostille or Authentication certificate is required by the overseas authority which will be relying on the notarised document. It is not for this office to advise on what will be acceptable to the receiving overseas entity.

What are Apostille and Authentication Stamps?

• Apostille and Authentication Certificates are issued by The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
• These stamps are often needed on documents to be used overseas such as power of attorney, birth certificates, banking, company or academic statements.
• Documents usually need to be notarised first by an Australian Notary Public (Step 1) before presentation to DFAT (Step 2). Some original government documents are excluded from needing Step 1.

How to Obtain an Apostille or Authentication Stamp

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) generally issues Apostille and Authentication Stamps on documents after notarisation by a Notary Public. Some original government documents are excluded from needing Step 1.

STEP 1:

• The first step is to have the document notarised by a Notary Public. Appointments with Notary Public John Pearce can be made online or by calling 03 8648 6541. Original Federal or State Government documents don’t need Step 1 unless photocopies are to be authenticated.

STEP 2:

• The second step is to have the document presented to DFAT.
• Please see Option A and Option B listed below for your preferred method.

OPTION A: By booking a DFAT appointment online

• Go to the Smart Traveller Website
• Please Note: usually your appointment will be a few weeks’ wait from the date of booking, so Option B (below) might be more suitable.

OPTION B: By Express Post

• After notarisation, the document can be posted to DFAT with an enclosed Express Post envelope to secure the Apostille / Authentication.
• The Government fee for each required Apostille / Authentication Stamp is $92 (Jan 2023)
• You will need to enclose this linked form and post the document to this address:

Australian Passport Office
Authentications Unit
Level 2, 747 Collins Street
DOCKLANDS VIC 3008

OPTION C: By The Office of John Pearce Notary Public

• John has the ability to secure the Apostille (or Authentication Stamp)
• This add-on service is $165 in addition to DFAT & notarisation fees.
• Please inform us at the appointment or before if you require this add on service.
• Morning lodgement with our office is preferred

STEP 3

The third step is to have the document presented to the relevant Consulate or Embassy in cases where a DFAT Authentication stamp was applied (rather than an Apostille).

Start

Please click here to make a booking at the City or Box Hill Office.

Access Online Booking System:
Click Here for BOOKING SYSTEM

Texting: 0483 045 589
Business Hours / After Hours / Weekends

Please Note: This Office provides a fee estimate based on the information you provide, we reserve the right to charge according to the above fees for the time it actually takes to notarise your document(s).

Please Note: Most documents require notarisation by a Notary Public before they can obtain an Apostille or Authentication. Some countries require an Apostille, others require an Authentication. This depends on country Hague Apostille convention membership. John can advise at the appointment.

Updated: Jan 2023

Copyright 2024 John Pearce Solicitor & Notary Public

John Pearce Solicitor & Notary Public acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.

“Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation”