When travelling, working, or studying abroad, you might be required to present an Australian Police Certificate as part of your application process. These certificates confirm whether you have any criminal records and are essential for visa applications, employment abroad, or other legal purposes.
However, to ensure these certificates are recognised internationally, they must first be legalised through a process called authentication or apostille. Experts from Authentifier will walk you through the steps to legalise Australian police certificates for international use.
The Legalisation Process: Authentication vs. Apostille
Legalisation involves verifying the authenticity of documents so they are accepted by foreign authorities. This is achieved through either authentication or apostille, depending on the country where the document will be used:
Apostille: For countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961, an apostille is sufficient. An apostille is a standardised certificate attached to your document, verifying its authenticity.
Authentication: For countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention, an additional step is needed after the initial authentication by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). After DFAT authentication, the document must be further legalised by the relevant embassy or consulate of the destination country.
You can find a list of Hague Convention member countries on the DFAT website or consult with your destination country’s embassy to confirm which process applies.
Authentifier specialises in providing accurate guidance and handling document submissions for both apostille and authentication, ensuring that your documents are correctly legalised. Schedule an appointment with Australian document attestation specialists to get started.
Obtaining Your Australian Police Certificate
Before initiating the legalisation process, you must first acquire a valid Australian Police Certificate. The certificate is issued by either:
- The Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- State or Territory Police
Ensure the certificate is an original document, as certified copies may not always be accepted for legalisation.
Verify the Signature on the Certificate
For the document to be legalised, the signature on your APC must be verifiable by DFAT. The signature must belong to an authorised signatory whose details are registered with DFAT. This is crucial because DFAT will only authenticate documents signed by recognised officials.
If your certificate is issued by the AFP, it usually contains the appropriate signatures that DFAT can verify. However, it’s important to check beforehand to avoid delays. If you need assistance, Authentifier can help verify whether your document meets DFAT requirements.
Submit Your Document to DFAT for Legalisation
Once you know which legalisation process applies, you can submit your Australian Police Certificate to DFAT. They offer in-person and mail-in services for document legalisation.
Processing times may be long, depending on DFAT’s current workload, and you may need to schedule appointments weeks in advance
If you prefer, Authentifier offers fast and reliable end-to-end support, handling everything from document submission to tracking the status, saving you time and reducing stress.
Additional Legalisation at the Embassy (For Non-Hague Countries)
If you require authentication rather than an apostille, an additional step is needed. After DFAT authenticates your document, you must submit it to the relevant embassy or consulate of the destination country for final legalisation. The requirements and procedures vary by country, so it’s important to consult with the embassy beforehand.
Some embassies may require additional documentation, fees, or appointments. It’s advisable to prepare everything in advance to avoid delays in the process.
How Authentifier Can Help
Navigating the legalisation of your Australian Police Certificate for international use can be challenging, but Authentifier is here to help. Our expert team simplifies the process by handling document attestation, managing DFAT authentication (apostille and authentication), and providing notarisation services.
With expert guidance and tailored solutions, Authentifier ensures that your Australian Police Certificate is fully compliant and accepted abroad, helping you achieve your goals—whether they involve work, study, or personal relocation overseas.
