Authentication & Apostille Services in Sydney

Whether for personal, business, or legal purposes, we provide fast and reliable document legalisation, ensuring your Australian documents are recognised globally.

Effortless Document Authentication & Apostille Services

Need to authenticate your Australian documents for international use? We handle everything from notarisation to Apostille or Authentication. Our expert team ensures a seamless, hassle-free process, making your documents ready for global use with minimal effort.

What is the Difference Between Apostille and Authentication?

When legalising Australian documents for international use, Apostille and Authentication are two distinct processes that serve similar purposes but apply to different types of countries. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Differences: Apostille vs. Authentication

Apostille: For Hague Apostille Convention countries; faster, simpler process; no embassy involvement.
Authentication: For non-Hague countries; requires additional embassy or consulate legalisation.

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) that authenticates the origin of Australian public documents. It confirms the authenticity of a Notary’s signature and seal, making the document legally valid in over 120 Hague Apostille Convention countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Japan.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

You need an Apostille if you’re using an Australian document in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Why is an Apostille Important?

An Apostille simplifies the legalisation process, eliminating embassy involvement and speeding up document approval for international use.

What is Authentication?

Authentication is the process of verifying the authenticity of a document’s signature for use in countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention (e.g., UAE, Malaysia, China). DFAT certifies the signature, confirming its genuineness. Once authenticated, the document must be legalised by the embassy or consulate of the destination country.

When Do You Need Authentication?

Authentication is required when your document will be used in non-Hague countries where the Apostille process does not apply, such as China, UAE, Malaysia, or Saudi Arabia.

Why is Authentication Important?

Authentication ensures that your document’s signature is recognised by authorities in non-Hague countries, enabling the document to be legally used abroad after further embassy or consular legalisation.

Notarisation Services

If your document requires notarisation before obtaining an Apostille, we offer notarisation services at competitive rates. Our licensed and experienced notaries will ensure your document is notarised to meet all requirements before sending it to DFAT for Apostille certification.

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What is Legalisation?

Legalisation is the process that verifies the validity of your document for use abroad. Depending on the destination country, legalisation may involve notarisation, Apostille, Authentication, and embassy or consulate verification.

When Do You Need Legalisation? Legalisation is required when your document must meet the specific legal standards of a country that does not accept Apostille or Authentication as the final step. China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt require this additional step of legalisation.

Why Is Legalisation Important? Legalisation ensures your document will be recognised by the foreign authorities. It involves multiple steps, including consular verification, ensuring that your document is legally accepted in countries with stricter requirements.

How the Legalisation Process Works: One, Two, or Three Steps

The legalisation process varies based on the destination country and its requirements. Here’s how it breaks down:

One-Step Process

For certain countries, documents only need notarisation to be legally recognised and ready for use abroad. This process is quick and doesn’t require further steps. Countries accepting this process include the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States (for certain purposes).

Two-Step Process (Hague Apostille Convention Countries)

For Hague Convention countries, documents are notarised and then submitted to DFAT for Apostille certification. This allows the document to be recognised internationally without embassy verification. Countries include Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, India, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

Three-Step Process (Non-Hague Countries)

Documents for countries like China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Nigeria, and Egypt require notarisation, DFAT authentication, and additional consulate legalisation, making the process longer.

OUR PRICING

Service	Apostille	Authentication	Embassy Legalisation
Fee	$200 plus the $98 DFAT fee. Additional documents are $80 each plus DFAT fees. All prices in AUD and exclude GST. Additional fees apply to ASIC, Court documents, and NAATI translations.	$200 plus the $98 DFAT fee. Additional documents are $100 each plus DFAT fees. All prices in AUD and exclude GST. Additional fees apply to ASIC, Court documents, and NAATI translations.	$250 for up to 5 documents plus Embassy fees. Additional documents are $100 each.
Timeframe	DFAT processing time is up to 3 business days. We attend DFAT daily for clients.	DFAT processing time is up to 3 business days. We attend DFAT daily for clients.	We manage the process from start to finish, providing legalisation by the Embassy ASAP.
Express Delivery	Includes express postage within Australia. Overseas delivery can be arranged.	Includes express postage within Australia. Overseas delivery can be arranged.	Includes express delivery within Australia.
Notarisation	Can notarise for $150, additional documents $100 each.	Can notarise for $150, additional documents $100 each.	Notarise a true copy for $150 incl. GST
Authentication by DFAT		Can be arranged.	Can be arranged.

FAQ’s - Common Notary Public Questions in NSW

Can a notary public provide an authentication or apostille certificate ?

Yes, a Notary Public can assist in obtaining an Apostille from DFAT. However, certain procedures and fees apply to ensure compliance with legal requirements.