How to Get an Apostille if You're in Australia
When British professionals travel overseas, they often need to have documents verified for use back in Europe or elsewhere. In Australia, a Notary Public can provide similar services to those found in Britain.
A Notary Public in Australia is an official representative of the government, responsible for verifying identities and validating signatures. They ensure that the individuals signing important documents are who they claim to be and are competent to sign. After witnessing the signing, the Notary will apply a stamp or seal, making the document official within Australia. If the document is intended for international use, however, an additional step known as obtaining an Apostille may be required.
An Apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a Notary's stamp or seal. Countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, recognise Apostilles from each other. The Apostille process involves several steps beyond notarization, but it has significantly simplified international document verification compared to the pre-Hague Convention era. It eliminates the need for consular approval, saving time and reducing stress.
The Australian government maintains records of every authorised Notary’s stamp, seal, and signature. To issue an Apostille, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) compares these records with the notarized document. If everything matches, DFAT provides a certificate or stamp—the Apostille—confirming the document's authenticity. This Apostille ensures that the document will be recognized by other Hague Convention member countries. If the document is intended for a non-member country, additional steps, such as consular authentication, may be necessary.
Obtaining an Apostille can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. Many people choose to work with a Notary who can manage the entire process for them. In the Melbourne area, John Pearce is an experienced Notary who offers notarization and Apostille services for a flat fee. By handling both aspects, he streamlines the process, allowing clients to focus on preparing for their travels rather than dealing with government procedures.
