What a notary can do for you.
Documents notarised for use in another jurisdiction, prepared so they are accepted on first presentation.
Notarial services also support Ardian Law's cross-border transaction work, where Australian documents must be executed for use by overseas counterparties. Cross-border transactions
Notarisation is usually step one.
Most overseas authorities require more than a notary's seal. Whether your document needs an apostille or full consular legalisation depends on the destination country, and getting the sequence wrong means starting again.
Notarisation
The document is executed, witnessed or certified before a notary public and sealed.
DFAT Apostille or Authentication
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues an apostille for Hague Convention countries, or an authentication where the destination is not a party.
Consular Legalisation
Where an apostille is not accepted, the document is then legalised by the destination country's embassy or consulate.
What to bring.
- The unsigned document, in the exact form required by the receiving party — do not sign it in advance
- Written instructions from the overseas lawyer, bank or authority if you have them
- Current photo identification: passport, and a driver licence if available
- For company documents, evidence of your authority to sign — a board resolution, power of attorney or company extract
- The name of the destination country and the authority the document is going to
- Any prior notarised or apostilled versions of the document
How to book.
Send the document and the destination country. We will confirm the notarial form required, the fee and an appointment time.
Send the document
Email the document and any instructions from the overseas party.
Confirmation
We confirm the notarial form, identification required, fee and whether DFAT or consular steps follow.
Attend
Attend the appointment with the unsigned document and identification. Notarisation is completed at the appointment.
Notary questions
What is the difference between a notary public and a JP?
A notary public is recognised internationally and can authenticate documents for use overseas. A justice of the peace is generally only recognised within Australia.
Should I sign the document before the appointment?
No. Documents requiring witnessing must be signed in the notary's presence.
Do I need an apostille as well?
Usually yes, if the document is going overseas. Whether it is an apostille or an authentication depends on the destination country.
How long does the whole process take?
Notarisation is completed at the appointment. DFAT and consular steps add time and vary by country.
Can you notarise documents in another language?
Yes, subject to the notarial form required and, where necessary, a certified translation.
Do you notarise for companies?
Yes, including corporate records, resolutions and transaction documents executed for offshore counterparties.
Book an appointment.
Send the document and the destination country and we will confirm what is required.