When you submit Australian documents for use overseas, particularly in countries that are party to The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents (Hague Apostille Convention), understanding what DFAT actually provides, and what it does not, is vital. Here is a clear, accurate overview of the DFAT Apostille process in Australia.
What DFAT Does
1. Verifies Signatures, Seals and Stamps
DFAT staff at Australian Passport Offices confirm that the signature, seal or stamp on your document matches the official records. They do not check document content or accuracy. Their role is strictly authentication of authenticity, not substance.
2. Issues the Apostille Certificate
If the destination country is a Hague member, DFAT attaches an Apostille certificate. This certificate confirms that your document is official and legally recognised under the Convention. Australian public documents and notarised private documents qualify.
3. Processes Eligible Documents
Eligible documents include: birth, marriage, death, citizenship or divorce certificates; ASIC corporate documents; AFP National Police Certificate; TAFE or university degrees; court records. Private documents notarised by a Notary Public can also be apostilled.
4. Provides Both Appointment and Mail Lodgement Options
You can submit documents in person at city passport offices (via appointment) or by post with return envelope. Both methods follow identical authentication protocols.
What DFAT Doesn’t Do
✗ Does Not Translate or Verify Content
DFAT does not confirm the accuracy, completeness, or content of your document. If you submit incomplete or incorrect documents, DFAT will still issue an Apostille if signatures match, even if the content is wrong.
✗ Does Not Advise on Document Eligibility
DFAT cannot tell you what documents your destination country requires. You must contact the overseas authority or embassy directly to confirm their specific needs.
✗ Does Not Issue Apostilles for Ineligible Documents
Documents not issued by Australian government agencies or not notarised private documents cannot be apostilled. DFAT will refuse collection if eligibility requirements are not met.
Step by Step DFAT Apostille Process
1. Check if your destination country is a Hague Convention member, only then is an Apostille valid. Otherwise, authentication and embassy legalisation may be required.
2. Prepare your documents. For public documents (e.g. birth certificate or ASIC certificate) ensure you have the original. For private documents, obtain a notarisation from an Australian Notary Public first.
3. Complete the DFAT Document Legalisation Request Form and gather fees.
4. Submit documents in person or by mail using your state’s Passport Office. Processing usually takes up to 3 business days after lodgement.
5. Receive apostilled document. You can verify its authenticity via DFAT’s online portal using the Apostille number.
Choose Authentifier for Expert DFAT Apostille Services
DFAT plays a crucial role in the DFAT Apostille process in Australia, but its responsibilities are limited to confirming signatures, stamps or seals; it does not validate your document’s content nor determine foreign authority requirements.
At Authentifier, we offer a tailored service that ensures:
- Your documents are eligible and correctly prepared
- Notarisation, where required, is arranged
- DFAT lodgement is completed accurately and promptly
- You receive your Apostilled documents within days, not weeks
When accuracy, speed and compliance matter, Authentifier is the trusted choice for helping holders of Australian qualifications navigate the DFAT Apostille process with confidence and ease.
