How do I get an Apostille in Australia?

If you have an original document issued by an Australian Government department (e.g. Australian birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, citizenship certificate etc) and you will be sending the original overseas, then DFAT can Apostille the document without being first notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

DFAT issues Apostilles through the passport office in each Australia State and Territory capital city. An appointment is required to be made in advance or the documents can be sent to DFAT by post.

The current wait times for a DFAT appointment in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are lengthy:

• Sydney: 6 weeks
• Melbourne: 3 weeks
• Brisbane: 3 weeks

The DFAT processing time for an Apostille is 3 business days. The timeframe for DFAT to issue an Apostille is longer if the documents are posted by mail to DFAT.

DFAT Legalisation Request Form

If you are attending a DFAT Apostille Appointment, you will need to download and complete the DFAT Document Legalisation Request Form available at the following link: Document Legalisation Request Form.

How Swift Authentication can help

Swift Authentication can have your document Apostilled by DFAT and sent by express post within 3 business days. No DFAT Apostille appointment required. Simple book online instantly by following this link to our online booking platform.

Documents that DFAT can Apostille

DFAT can Apostille original Australian government documents that have an official Australian government signature or seal. Original documents that DFAT can Apostille include:

• AFP National Police Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Registration of a Company
• Certificate of Residency issued by the ATO
• Citizenship Certificate
• Court Document
• Death Certificate
• Divorce Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (excluding ceremonial certificate)
• NAATI Translated Document that meets the specific DFAT Requirements
• Single Status or Record of No Result Certificate
• University or TAFE Academic Degree

DFAT can also Apostille any document that has been Notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

When is Notarisation required?

DFAT can Apostille the following original documents without being Notarised by a Notary Public:

• AFP National Police Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Registration of a Company
• Certificate of Residency issued by the ATO
• Citizenship Certificate
• Court Document
• Death Certificate
• Divorce Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (excluding ceremonial certificate)
• NAATI Translated Document that meets the specific DFAT Requirements
• Notarised Documents
• Single Status or Record of No Result Certificate
• University or TAFE Academic Degree

If your document is not one of the above documents, then it must be Notarised by an Australian Notary Public before DFAT will accept the document for Apostille.

Have any other questions?

We're here to help! Contact us at support@swiftauthentication.com.au