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Notary Public Services

PDC Law provides expert notary services, ensuring your official documents meet legal requirements in Australia and internationally.
We assist with the certification, authentication, and legalisation of documents, offering reliable support for individuals and businesses needing legally recognised documentation.

  • Legal Document Witnessing: Certifying signatures on contracts, affidavits, and declarations
  • Notary Public Certification: Verification of official documents for overseas us
  • Apostille & Authentication: Ensuring documents comply with international legal standards
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Legal Document Witnessing

PDC Law can assist with Legal Document Witnessing

Legal documents in a pile with post-it notes.
  • Verification & Certification of Documents: Ensuring legal validity for overseas use.
  • Certified Copies for International Use: Officially verifying key documents.
  • Administration of Oaths & Affirmations: Certifying sworn statements and declarations.
  • Attesting & Certifying Execution of Legal Documents: Verifying contracts, agreements, and wills.
  • Witnessing Signatures on Affidavits & Statutory Declarations: Confirming identity and authenticity.
  • Preparation of Powers of Attorney & Other Legal Papers: Certifying legal instruments for international transactions.

A Notary Public has the statutory authority to verify, certify, and witness legal documents, ensuring they are recognised both in Australia and internationally. PDC Law provides expert notarial services, assisting individuals and businesses with all aspects of legal document authentication.

Official Notarial Registration & Apostille Process

All Notary Public seals and signatures are recorded in a government database held by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). DFAT is responsible for issuing Apostilles (Authentication Certificates), verifying the authenticity of signatures and seals on Australian documents.

Additionally, every Notary Public’s signature, seal, or stamp is officially registered with the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Society of Notaries of NSW, ensuring credibility and legal recognition worldwide.

Why do I need a Notary Public for document witnessing?

Answer

Notarisation ensures legal authenticity and is often required for documents used overseas.

What types of documents need notarisation?

Answer

Common examples include contracts, affidavits, statutory declarations, powers of attorney, and certified copies.

What is the difference between notarisation and an apostille?

Answer

Notarisation verifies a document’s authenticity, while an apostille further certifies it for international use under the Hague Convention.

How long does the notarial process take?

Answer

The timeframe depends on the complexity of the document and whether DFAT authentication is required.

Can PDC Law assist with obtaining an apostille?

Answer

Yes, we can guide you through the DFAT apostille and authentication process to ensure smooth international recognition.

Official Documents

PDC Law can assist with certifying Official Legal Documents

Official documents being held by a lawyer.
  • Overseas Police Checks: Certification for employment, visa, or immigration purposes.
  • Personal Documents: Passports, academic transcripts, testamurs, and citizenship certificates
  • Contracts for International Transactions: Agreements involving overseas property or business sales.
  • Wills & Probate Documents: Legal papers related to estates and beneficiaries abroad.
  • Intellectual Property Documents: Trademark registrations, copyright claims, and patent applications.
  • Overseas Trade Documentation: Notarisation of Letters of Credit (LC) and other business-related paperwork.
  • Property Transfer Instruments: Legal documentation for transferring land internationally.
  • Minor Travel Consent Forms: Legal approval for a child to travel overseas without their parents.
  • Official Legal Records: Certification of various government-issued documents.

Certain legal documents require notarial certification to be recognised overseas. PDC Law provides expert notary services, ensuring your documents meet the necessary legal standards for international use.

PDC Law Ensures Seamless Notarial Processing

We provide efficient, compliant, and internationally recognised document certification, ensuring legal validity in overseas jurisdictions.

Why do I need a Notary Public for official documents?

Answer

Many documents require notarisation to be legally recognised overseas, ensuring authenticity and compliance.

What types of documents need notarisation?

Answer

Common examples include contracts, wills, police checks, academic transcripts, and intellectual property filings

Can I notarise documents for international business transactions?

Answer

Yes, business agreements, property transfers, and trade documents often require notarisation before being accepted overseas.

Do documents for travel require notarisation?

Answer

Yes, forms such as minor travel consent documents may need notarisation for official approval.

How does notarisation differ from an apostille?

Answer

Notarisation verifies authenticity, while an apostille is an additional certification required for certain international documents under the Hague Convention.

Apostille

PDC Law can assist with Apostille Certification

Lawyer sorting through official documents.
  • Notarisation of Documents: Ensuring eligibility for Apostille certification
  • DFAT Submission Support: Assisting with the Apostille application process.
  • International Compliance: Ensuring documents meet overseas legal requirements.

An Apostille is an official certification required for Australian public documents to be legally recognised in countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention. It verifies the authenticity of a document’s signature, seal, or stamp, ensuring its acceptance overseas.

Understanding the Apostille Process

A Notary Public does not issue an Apostille, but their notarial certificate is often a necessary step in obtaining one. Once notarised, the document must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which affixes the Apostille to confirm its legitimacy for international use.

What is an Apostille?

Answer

An Apostille is an official certification issued by DFAT that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

Which documents require an Apostille?

Answer

Common examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, business documents, and notarised contracts for international use.

Do all countries require an Apostille?

Answer

No, only countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention require an Apostille for document authentication. Others may need separate legalisation through their consulate.

Does a Notary Public issue an Apostille?

Answer

No, DFAT issues Apostilles, but a Notary Public’s certification is often required beforehand to ensure a document is eligible.

Can PDC Law assist with obtaining an Apostille?

Answer

Yes, we certify documents for Apostille eligibility and provide guidance on submitting applications to DFAT for final authentication.

Our process

PDC Law ensures a smooth Notarial Process

Lawyer witnessing a document signing.
  • Document Review: We’ll discuss the documents you need to bring, such as a current passport or driver’s licence to confirm your identity
  • Cost Estimate: We provide an initial fee estimate, though costs may vary depending on the complexity of your documents.
  • Standard Fees: Our fees align with the New South Wales Society of Notaries Fee Scale, available at https://notarynsw.org.au/recommended-fees/
  • Additional Documentation: If you’ve received letters or extra information regarding your documents, bring them to ensure we meet all legal requirements.
  • Appointment Duration: Sessions typically last 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity of your notarisation.
  • Translation Services: If your document is not in English, we may need to arrange a certified translation before notarisation.

If you require notarial services, the first step is to contact us for an appointment. Our process ensures efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with legal requirements, making your experience straightforward.

PDC Law Makes Notarisation Simple

We provide expert assistance to ensure your documents meet domestic and international legal standards.

What documents do I need to bring for my appointment?

Answer

A valid passport or driver’s licence is required to confirm your identity, along with any documents needing notarisation.

How much does notarial certification cost?

Answer

Fees vary depending on the complexity of your documents, but they follow the NSW Society of Notaries Fee Scale.

How long does a notary appointment take?

Answer

Most appointments last 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the number and complexity of documents.

Can PDC Law notarise documents in languages other than English?

Answer

Yes, but certified translation may be required before notarisation. We can assist with arranging this.

What happens if my documents are rejected by overseas authorities?

Answer

We ensure your documents meet international legal standards, reducing the likelihood of rejection. If needed, we provide guidance on corrections or additional authentication.

Legal Expertise

Proceed with confidence.

PDC Law is a specialist commercial, property and dispute resolution law firm. Our lawyers have a combined experience of over 40 years.

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