Apostille Meaning Australia

Swift Apostille
January 2025
5 min read

What is the meaning of Apostille stamp in Australia?

An Apostille is a specific type of certification which is stamped onto a document to confirm the authenticity of the document's signature, seal or stamp and the authority of the person or organisation that issued it. An Apostille essentially makes a document from one country accepted in another country. An Apostille stamp is a 9x9 cm square certificate which sets out the details of the country where the document was issued, the authority of the person or organisation that issued the document, the date of the Apostille, the name of the person who issued the Apostille, the seal and stamp of the authority that issued the Apostille and the Apostille number. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the only authority that is issued to issue Apostilles in Australia.

Below is an example of an Apostille issued by DFAT

Apostille DFAT

When is an Apostille stamp required?

An Apostille stamp is required if the destination country of the document is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention ('Apostille Convention). The Apostille Convention simplifies the process of authenticating documents for international use. Under the Apostille Convention, member countries agree to recognise an Apostille as a valid certification for documents issued by authorities within the same country.

How do I know if the destination country is a member of the Apostille Convention?

Refer to our List of Countries Accepting an Apostille which provides the most up-to-date list of countries that are members of the Apostille Convention.

What if the destination country is not a member of the Apostille Convention?

If the intended destination country is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, then you may need to have your document "authenticated" by DFAT and then legalised by the foreign Embassy or Consulate in Australia. Legalisation by the foreign Embassy or Consulate is an extra step which is only required for countries which are not members of the Apostille Convention.

How Swift Apostille can help

Swift Apostille can have your document Apostilled by DFAT. Book online by follow this link to our online booking platform. We attend the DFAT daily for our clients. The booking form will guide you through the process.

Please note that these guides are intended to provide a general guide and information and should not be relied upon as legal or other professional advice.

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If your document was originally issued in hard-copy, we will provide a free express post label for use anywhere in Australia, or postage instructions

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We lodge your document with DFAT the same day we receive the document and all required information before 10am

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We provide free express post delivery of your completed document anywhere in Australia, including signature on delivery

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We can post your document overseas via DHL Express Worldwide
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"I can’t highlight enough how responsive they were with my numerous questions. They helped me ensure I had all the requirements to get my translated documents apostille in the fastest time possible in a clear and kind way."
JUAN
Sydney, NSW
"Swift Apostille runs a very efficient service for when you have an urgent document and have very limited time to go physically to DFAT Sydney office and spend easily 3 hours commuting to/from the city, or simply having a hard time making an appointment with DFAT within the next 2 months. The process is transparent and all done via Express Mail to and from (included in the service). I received my document back at home & Apostilled within 3 working days after sending. Very efficient. Thank you, Elle."
ANITA
Sydney, NSW
"Would highly recommend this service. In a stressful situation of timing Swift kept me up to date through the entire process with regular emails and helped give me an accurate timeframe of service. Worth it"
LOUIZA
Sydney, NSW
"I have been very happy with this service, it worked really fast, they notified me of when documents arrived, sent me copies, all as advertised."
FEDERICO
USA
"Their service was incredibly fast"
MARIA
Sydney, NSW

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