What is the Apostille?
The Apostille is a certificate and its purpose is to prove to an overseas country that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has verified the signature and seal of the Notary Public to the document the Notary Public has notarised.
Generally, the Apostille is only required in relation to the documents the Notary Public has notarised if the recipient country is a party to The Hague Apostille Convention (Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents) ("the Convention"). By virtue of the Convention, it is therefore not necessary to have the document legalised by the recipient country's consular or diplomatic office. All that is required is to present the notarised document to DFAT. DFAT will check that the Notary Public's signature and seal is authenticate and then affix an Apositille.
In relation to countries that are not party to the Convention, in order for the document to be recognised overseas, the document, after it has been notarised, may need to go to DFAT for the Apostille to be affixed and also to the relevant consulate or embassy before sending it overseas.
Please note that our Notary Public, Tom Mutavdzija is registerd with DFAT. DFAT has a copy of Mr. Mutavdzija's specimen seal and signature.
If you require the services of DFAT, we can look after this for you or alternatively you can contact them at the following location:
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Level 7 Collins Square
747 Collins Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Phone: 1300 935 260
