Who can Apostille a document in Australia?

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), through the Australian Passport Office in each capital city in Australia, is the only body in Australia that can issue an Apostille.

Who needs an Apostille?

An Apostille is sometimes needed by overseas authorities as proof that the signature on an Australian government issued document (for example, a birth certificate marriage certificate, death certificate, citizenship certificate, ASIC Certificate of Registration of a Company, AFP National Police Certificate etc) or a document notarised by an Australian Notary Public is genuine before they can be accepted overseas. An Apostille can be issued by DFAT on original Australian government issued documents or documents that have been notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a specific type of certification issued by DFAT which confirms the authenticity of the document's signature, seal, or stamp and the authority of the person or organisation that issued it. DFAT will certify that the signature, stamp or seal on the document is genuine by checking it against a specimen held on their database. If successfully verified, DFAT will print and affix a certificate in the form of an Apostille on the document. The Apostille certificate is a 9x9 cm square which sets out the details of the country where the document was issued, the authority of the person or organisation that issued the document, the date of the Apostille, the DFAT issuing officers name, the seal and stamp of DFAT and the Apostille number.

What Countries accept an Apostille?

An Apostille will only be recognised in a country that is a signatory to the Apostille Convention (also known as the Hague Apostille Convention). The Apostille Convention simplifies the process of authenticating documents for international use. Under this Convention, participating countries agree to recognise an Apostille as a valid certification for documents issued by authorities within the same country. If the intended destination country is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, then you may need to have your document "authenticated" by DFAT. See our list of countries accepting an Apostille here.

How Swift Authentication can help

Swift Authentication can have your document Apostilled by DFAT. We attend DFAT daily for our clients. No DFAT appointment required. We manage the application and appointment process from start to finish.

Have any other questions?

We're here to help! Contact us at support@swiftauthentication.com.au