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FAQs
Quick answers about our notary and document services.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Notary Public verifies identities, witnesses signatures, certifies true copies of documents, and prepares documents for overseas use, including apostille and authentication services. Notaries are experienced lawyers appointed by the Supreme Court who apply an official seal to confirm a document’s authenticity.
A Notary Public is needed when documents must be used overseas. Notaries are qualified lawyers appointed by the court, and their role is to formally verify and authenticate documents so they are accepted by foreign governments, courts, and institutions. This includes certifying documents for international use, preparing powers of attorney for use overseas, and confirming information for foreign authorities.
A Justice of the Peace (JP) has a much more limited role. A JP can witness signatures and certify copies for use within Australia only, such as statutory declarations. JPs authority does not extend outside Australia.
In short, if your documents are going overseas, a Notary Public is essential. A JP cannot validate documents for international use.You pay a Notary Public because their work is specialised and intended for international use. Notaries are legally trained professionals who take responsibility for preparing, checking, and authenticating documents so they are accepted overseas. This work involves legal judgment, time, and accountability.
By contrast, Justices of the Peace (JPs) are volunteers who assist with basic, local matters such as witnessing signatures or certifying copies for use within Australia. JPs do not prepare documents or take responsibility for their international acceptance, which is why their services are generally free.Whether you need an apostille or authentication depends on where your document will be used. If it's for a country in the Hague Convention, you'll need an apostille; for others, you'll need authentication. Don't worry—our Notary Public will guide you through the process to ensure your document is correctly prepared.
For in-person notarisation in NSW, bring:
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Valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or government-issued photo ID).
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The document you need notarised (make sure it’s unsigned).
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Additional documents (if you're acting on behalf of someone else, like a power of attorney).
It's always best to check with us beforehand to ensure you have everything ready.
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We notarise a wide range of documents, including:
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Affidavits (including foreign affidavits).
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Apostilles & Authentications for international use.
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Birth & Death Certificates, Powers of Attorney, Marriage Documents, and more.
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University & College Certificates, School Reports, and Medical Reports.
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Travel Permission for Children, Divorce Orders, and documents for foreign pensions.
Need something notarised? We’re here to guide you through the process!
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Yes. For true copy certification or witnessing, you must bring the original documents along with the required ID. Photocopies alone are not sufficient.
The notarisation itself is usually straightforward and takes around 5 to 15 minutes. In some cases, depending on the document, it may take up to 30 minutes.
Preparing the documents can take more time and will depend on the complexity of the matter. If third-party verification is required, or if the documents need an apostille or authentication from DFAT, the process may take several days or, in some cases, weeks. Express services may be available.
To save time, we offer online or phone consultations in advance so the documents can be prepared ahead of your appointment and are ready when we meet.Yes, in most cases. Simple notarisation and certified copies can usually be completed on the same day.
No, notarisation must be done in person. However, we offer online or phone consultations to prepare everything beforehand, so your document will be ready for signing when we meet in person.
No. We provide notary services by appointment only, starting with an online or phone consultation. We meet at a safe, public location within my service area for in-person notarisation.