Who can Authenticate 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 Authentication certificate.

DFAT Authentication 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 Authentication Certificate can be issued by DFAT on original Australian government issued documents or documents that have been notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

DFAT Authentication 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 Authentication stamp on the document. The Authentication 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 Authentication, the DFAT issuing officers name, the seal and stamp of DFAT and the Authentication number.

If the intended destination country is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, then you may need to have your document Authenticated by DFAT.

How Swift Authentication can help

Swift Authentication can have your document Authenticated 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