Here we explain what one is and how you can get one!

What is Legalisation? 

Documents sometimes need to be legalised by the Australian Government before they can be used in a foreign country.

To legalise a document, it must be marked with an apostille stamp (for those countries who are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention) or an authentication (for any non-convention countries). Apostilles and authentication stamps are issued and applied by The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). A notary cannot apply an apostille or an authentication to a document. Those can only be applied by DFAT to a document that you supply them.

Before you apply for an apostille or an authentication, you must find out what sort of documentation is required by the foreign government you are dealing with. Advice can be provided by the country’s embassy and/or consulate in Australia. You should check with the receiving authority what documents they want, and whether they require an apostille or authentication. Our Notary can provide you with guidance in that regard at your appointment.  If you would like to see a full list of Hague Apostille Convention member countries, see https://www.apostille.net

How to find out if you need legalisation?

Some receiving overseas authorities may accept originals or copies as they are, so we recommend you check with them directly if an apostille or authentication is required. Some common examples of when overseas authorities ask for legalised documents are set out on the website https://www.smartraveller.gov.au. Documents typically requiring legalisation are:

• Originals issued by an Australian government agency or official examples are birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates and Court documents.
• Originals issued by an Australian educational institution such academic transcripts.
• Copies of documents notarised by an Australian Notary Public such as powers of attorney, banking documents, company documents.

Most documents require notarisation by a Notary Public before they can obtain an apostille or authentication.

What will you be required to provide?

You will be required to provide one of the following:

• Your original document; or
• a notarised copy of your original document.

How to get documents legalised?

When you make an appointment for notarial services with Parkston Lawyers, our Notary will provide you with guidance in relation to the process and applicable fees. You can also visit the DFAT website for guidelines on how to legalise your document, and the current cost. You can either:

• Make an appointment to submit the documents and forms in person by booking online on the websitehttps://australianpassportofficemelbourne.setmore.com/ or
• mail the documents. If you main the documents you will need to remember to
  • send your forms and original documents via express post;
  • include your credit card authorisation (you can find this at section 7 of the Document Legalisation request form) https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/our-services/notarial-services/notarial-forms; and
  • Include a self-addressed express post envelope for its safe return.

Remember to make sure your documents have been notarised if required before you send them to DFAT to be legalised!