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Australia Apostilles

How to Obtain an Apostille in Australia

If you need to use an Australian public document overseas, you may be required to obtain an apostille. An apostille is an internationally recognised certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document so it can be accepted in another country that is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.

This article explains what an apostille is, when you need one, and the step-by-step process for obtaining an apostille in Australia.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate attached to (or associated with) a public document to confirm:

  • the authenticity of the signature,
  • the capacity in which the person signing acted, and
  • the identity of any seal or stamp on the document.

Once apostilled, the document does not require further legalisation by an embassy or consulate of another Hague Convention country.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

You generally need an apostille if:

  • your document was issued in Australia, and
  • it is to be used in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention.

Common documents that require apostilles include:

  • birth, death and marriage certificates,
  • court orders and affidavits,
  • powers of attorney,
  • notarised documents,
  • academic transcripts and degrees,
  • ASIC company extracts and certificates.

If the destination country is not a Hague Convention member, a different process (often called authentication and legalisation) applies instead.

Who Issues Apostilles in Australia?

In Australia, apostilles are issued exclusively by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Neither notaries public nor state agencies can issue apostilles themselves—DFAT is the final authority.

Step-by-Step: How to Get an Apostille in Australia

1. Confirm the Destination Country’s Requirements

Before starting, check:

  • whether the destination country is a Hague Apostille Convention member, and
  • whether it specifically requires an apostille (some authorities may accept certified or notarised copies only).

2. Prepare the Correct Document

The document must be one of the following:

  • an original Australian public document (e.g. birth certificate), or
  • a document properly notarised by an Australian notary public.

⚠️ DFAT will reject documents that are merely certified by a Justice of the Peace unless the document type is one DFAT accepts without notarisation.

3. Notarisation (If Required)

Many documents—such as powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations for overseas use, and copies of passports—must first be:

  • signed before a notary public, or
  • certified by a notary as a true copy.

The notary’s signature and seal are what DFAT verifies when issuing the apostille.

4. Lodge the Document with DFAT

You can lodge documents:

  • in person at selected DFAT offices, or
  • by post.

You must submit:

  • the original document,
  • a completed DFAT request form, and
  • the applicable fee.

5. Pay the DFAT Fee

As at current practice:

  • Apostille: 2025 Year is $102.00

(Fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with DFAT before lodgement.)

6. Processing Time

Typical processing times are:

  • In person: often same day or next business day
  • By post: usually several business days plus return postage

Urgent processing may be available at some locations.

What Does the Apostille Look Like?

The apostille is a separate certificate attached to the document (or securely bound to it) and includes:

  • the country of origin,
  • the name of the person whose signature is certified,
  • the issuing authority,
  • the date and place of issue,
  • an official DFAT seal and signature.

Electronic Apostilles in Australia

Australia currently issues physical apostilles.
Electronic apostilles (e-Apostilles) are not yet generally available through DFAT, even though some countries now accept them.

Always check whether the receiving authority will accept a physical apostille only.

Common Reasons Apostille Applications Are Rejected

  • Document not properly notarised
  • JP certification used where notarisation is required
  • Damaged or altered documents
  • Incorrect or missing signatures
  • Document issued outside Australia

Using a Notary to Simplify the Process

Many people engage a notary public to:

  • confirm whether notarisation is required,
  • prepare affidavits or statutory declarations correctly,
  • certify copies in a DFAT-compliant manner, and
  • reduce the risk of rejection.

This is especially useful for time-sensitive visa, immigration, property, or corporate matters.