In many instances the document/s to be sent overseas may require the signature and seal of the Public Notary to be legalised (certified as correct) by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Once DFAT has issued its certificate and endorsed or attached it to the Notary’s document, the document may have to be further certified at the Consulate or Embassy of the foreign country to which it is to be sent. The Consulate or Embassy is in effect certifying the Australian Government’s seal and signature on the document is correct.

The Public Notary can usually help the client by explaining DFAT’s requirements and the requirements of the particular Consulate. Many countries, including Australia, are signatories to a Convention that overcomes the double requirement of legalisation and then certification by the Consulate. Member countries instead issue an “Apostille” which cuts time and expense for the client. The Apostille is a statement identifying the signature of the Notary and comprises a large stamp affixed to the Notary’s signed document. Under The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents of 1961, the Australian authorised affixer of the Apostille is DFAT.