Notarisation by a Notary Public is an essential first step in getting your documents recognised overseas—but it’s not always enough. Whether your document is accepted in another country depends on where it’s going and its legal requirements.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Notarisation is the foundation
When a Notary Public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature, they apply their official seal to the document. This adds legal credibility and helps ensure the document is accepted internationally. However, in many cases, additional certification is required.
2. Apostille for Hague Convention countries
If the country you’re sending your document to is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you’ll usually need to get an apostille. In Australia, this is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Once the apostille is attached, your notarised document is generally accepted without further steps in other Hague Convention member countries.
3. Authentication and legalisation for non-Hague countries
The process is more involved if the destination country isn’t part of the Hague Convention. After notarisation, you’ll likely need:
- An Authentication Certificate from DFAT, and then
- Further legalisation will be made by that country’s embassy or consulate in Australia.
This confirms that your document has been properly notarised and is legally valid for use in that country.
4. Country-specific rules
Even within these systems, each country—and even different authorities within the same country—can have its own specific requirements. That’s why checking with the organisation or authority where the document will be submitted is essential.
