How to request notarial services overseas

To request any of our notarial services overseas, find your nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.

Some embassies, high commissions, and consulates can only provide limited services. They may also only provide the service at certain times.

Their website may have information about their services, or you can call them to find out:

which services they can and can't provide
what their service hours are
if you need to make an appointment.

Be aware that consulates operated by an Honorary Consul don't provide notarial services.

Find out how to contact your nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.

Legalising documents

We can legalise most original Australian public documents.

You can submit your documents:

in person at your nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
by mail.

Read our full advice about how to get your documents legalised.

Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)

We can issue Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI).

We can't tell you if you need a CNI to get married. Ask the receiving authority. In many cases, you won't need it.

See our full advice about Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI).

Certifying photos and true copies of documents

We can certify photographs and true copies of documents overseas.

You may not need DFAT to certify your photo or document. Ask the receiving authority what they need, and if it needs to be done by

a local authorised person
DFAT.

True copies of documents

We can photocopy your original document and certify that it is a true copy.

Documents must be Australian or for use in Australia. We can’t certify foreign documents for use overseas.
We apply the following certification on it: "This is a true copy of the document presented to me". This is approved wording. We won't alter it.

We don't certify or endorse the contents of your document. We only certify that the copy is identical.

Photographs

We can certify that your photograph is of you.

The photo must be for use in Australia. If it's for local use, you may need to find a local authority to certify it.
We will certify the photo after we have confirmed you are the person in the picture and seen your valid photo identification.
We will state that the photo is "a true likeness of [your name]". This is approved wording. We won't alter it.

Preparing for your appointment

Bring the document or photo you want certified.
If the document is multiple pages, remove any binding or staples to enable photocopying if possible.
Bring photo ID. Your passport is best.

Witnessing signatures

We can witness signatures on many official Australian documents for use in Australia.

You may not need DFAT to witness your signature. In many cases, you can find someone else locally to witness it for you. Ask the receiving authority in Australia who else can witness it for you.

Documents we can witness

Property transfers, for buying or selling property in Australia.
Australian statutory declarations, for use in Australia.
Notices of intended marriage
Most federal government forms
Some state government forms and private sector forms. Ask the issuing authority of the form if they accept consular officials as authorised witnesses.

We don't witness signatures on foreign documents. Ask local authorities who can witness for you. Or get legal advice.

Preparing for your appointment

Ask the receiving authority in Australia if they need a DFAT Identify Certificate.
Bring photo ID. Your passport is best.

See how to request our notarial services.

Australian affidavits

A consular official can administer the oath or affirmation on an Australian affidavit.

Talk to your lawyer about what they need in and on the affidavit. We can't provide legal information or advice. Ask for written instructions.

If an affidavit contains attachments or is multiple pages, we will bind the pages together. Some receiving authorities don't accept bound documents. Ask them if they'll accept it before seeking our service.

Preparing for your appointment

Bring clear written instructions from your lawyer explaining what they need in and on the affidavit.
Bring photo ID. Your passport is best.

DFAT Identity Certificates

We can issue a DFAT Identity Certificate that verifies your identity.

We can't tell you if you need one. You must ask the receiving authority.

We can only issue this certificate to you in person. We also need to see current identification documents, including photo ID. Ensure you bring these to your appointment. We will take copies of your documents to certify and attach to your certificate.

We only verify identities using the DFAT Identity Certificate. We can't sign any other organisation's document to verify your identity.

This document is different from a Certificate of Identity, which is a travel document for non-citizens.

There is no charge for the DFAT Identity Certificate, however fees apply for any witnessing or certifying documents.

Preparing for your appointment

Bring your passport so we can confirm your identity.
Any instructions received from legal representatives and/or documents for intended authorities in the correct format.

Learn more about preparing your documents for legalisation.
Read about our notarial services.
Apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI).

Need to verify an Apostille?

Use our online portal

Verify an apostille

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How to request notarial services overseas

Before you begin

What notarial services do we offer overseas?