What is an Apostille in Australia and How Do I Get One?

Swift Apostille
January 2025
5 min read

What is an Apostille in Australia?

An Apostille is a specific type of certification issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) certifying that a document is either an original Australian government issued document or a document that has been notarised by a Notary Public. An Apostille confirms the authenticity of the document's signature, seal, or stamp and the authority of the person or organisation that issued it.

What does an Apostille look like?

An Apostille stamp is a 9x9 cm square 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 DFAT officers name, the seal and stamp of DFAT and the Apostille number.

If the document is an original Australian government issued document the Apostille will usually be stamped on the back of the document. If the document is a document Notarised by an Australian Notary Public the Apostille will usually be stamped on the back of the Notarial Certificate.

Below is an example of an Australia Apostille issued by DFAT:

Australia Apostille Certificate
Apostille Stamp Australia

Who can issue an Apostille in Australia?

DFAT is the only body in Australia that can issue an Apostille stamp.

When do I need an Apostille?

An Apostille stamp is recognised in countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention (Apostille). The Apostille Convention simplifies the process of authenticating documents for international use. Under the Apostille Convention, participating countries agree to recognise an Apostille as a valid certification for documents issued by authorities within the same country. Refer to our List of Countries Accepting an Apostille.

What if the intended destination country is not a signatory to 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.

How do I get an Apostille in Australia?

DFAT issues Apostilles through the passport office in each Australia State and Territory capital city.

What documents can DFAT Apostille?

DFAT can Apostille hard copy original Australian Government issued documents or documents notarised by a Notary Public.

What is an Australian Government issued document?

An Australian Government issued document includes the following:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Court Document
  • Death Certificate
  • Divorce Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate (excluding ceremonial certificate)
  • University or TAFE Academic Document
  • Single Status or Record of No Result Certificate
  • Certificate of Residency issued by the Australian Tax Office (ATO)
  • Fingerprint Report issued by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (must be a hard copy original, not a digital certificate)
  • NAATI translated documents provided certain requirements are met
  • National Police Certificate issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP)
  • Police Certificates issued by State or Territories in Australia

What if I want to have a copy of an Australian Government issued document Apostilled rather than the hard copy original?

If you would prefer to have a copy of an Australian Government issued document Apostilled rather than the hard copy original, then the copy must be notarised first before being accepted by DFAT. DFAT will not accept copies of documents certified by a Justice of the Peace or other authorised witness.

What if the original Australian Government Issued Document is Electronic?

If your original document is electronic, you must provide your document in its original electronic form for DFAT to issue the Apostille. In order for DFAT to verify the electronic document, you must forward the email sent by the issuing authority with the electronic document attached or linked in the email, or if the original electronic document is accessible through a web portal, you can provide the login details for the portal.

How Swift Apostille can help

Swift Apostille can obtain an Apostille from DFAT. We attend DFAT daily for clients. Book online instantly by following this link to our online booking platform. The DFAT processing time for Apostilles is 3 business days.

Have any other questions?

Contact us at support@swiftapostille.com.au or view our other guides:

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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JUAN
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"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."
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