What a notary can do for you.
We review the receiving authority’s instructions and prepare the required notarial act. Acceptance remains subject to that authority’s requirements.
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
Check the required process first.
The document, destination and receiving authority determine whether notarisation, an apostille, authentication or consular legalisation is needed. Some original Australian public documents can go directly to DFAT without prior notarisation. Confirm the receiving authority’s instructions before arranging any step.
Notarisation
Where required, a notary witnesses a signature, certifies a copy or prepares a notarial certificate. Not every document requires this step.
DFAT Apostille or Authentication
DFAT issues apostilles or authentication certificates for eligible Australian documents. The appropriate certificate depends on the applicable Convention arrangements and receiving authority’s requirements.
Consular Legalisation
A destination country’s embassy or consulate may require further legalisation. Requirements, fees and processing times must be checked for the document and destination.
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.
Tell us the document type, destination and deadline. We will explain how to provide documents for review, then confirm requirements, fees and availability. Your appointment is confirmed only when we confirm it in writing.
Describe the document
Send a brief description and destination first. Wait for our instructions before providing documents or identification.
Confirmation
We confirm the notarial form, identification required, fee and whether DFAT or consular steps follow.
Attend
Attend with the originals, identification and any signing authority we have requested. Completion depends on satisfactory documents and checks.
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?
You may need an apostille, authentication or consular legalisation. Confirm the receiving authority’s requirements before booking; overseas use alone does not establish which steps are needed.
How long does the whole process take?
We confirm the expected notarial timeframe after reviewing requirements. DFAT, consular and courier steps take additional time and are outside our control.
Can you notarise documents in another language?
Please identify the document’s language when enquiring. We will confirm whether we can assist and whether a translation, interpreter or overseas legal advice is required.
Do you notarise for companies?
Yes, including corporate records, resolutions and transaction documents executed for offshore counterparties.
Request an appointment.
Describe the document, destination and deadline. We will explain preparation requirements and confirm appointment availability.