Notary Public, Adelaide
Notarial Services
For when you need your signature witnessed or documents certified to go overseas.
Overseas Powers of Attorney
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney (sometimes called an authorization) which is to be used overseas needs to be prepared in the document's destination country.
The notary will check that your name in the Power of Attorney is identical to your identification documents.
Make sure you bring
the original unsigned document
the source document and its translation if the document is not in English (See below for more information on translations)
your identification documents
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Need an apostille?
Check with your overseas attorney if you need an apostille or authentication on your power of attorney. Your notary will not know.
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Identification Documents
This means: -
your passport AND
driver's licence or proof of age card
Certifying Documents
Certified Copy
Only original documents can be certified as true copies.
If your document can only be sourced electronically, your notary will need to source that document from the issuer.
Make sure you bring
the original document
any login details if you need to source documents electronically
We can copy or print most documents for certification.
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Original means...
the original document - not a photocopy.
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Electronic documents
Sometimes a document needs to be verified online. This might delay the certification process.
Overseas Affidavits
Signing an Affidavit
An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court.
In most cases your affidavit will be prepared by a lawyer in the country in which it is to be filed. It must be sworn or affirmed in front of a notary.
Make sure you bring
the entire original unsigned affidavit - including all annexures.
instructions for signing from the person who sent you the document.
your identification documents - so that the notary can check that you are the person referred to in the affidavit.
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Identifying the signer
Some countries issue personal identity numbers for their citizens. If this is referred to in the affidavit to be signed, bring a government issued document with that number with you. It may be in your passport too.
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Read the affidavit
Notaries do not advise on the content or form of a document. Therefore, you must read the document thoroughly, check it for accuracy and understand what it says before attending your appointment. You may need to refer back to the person who prepared the document for assistance.
Documents in a foreign language
Translations
Where documents are not in English, a translation of that document will be required. That translation must be by a NAATI approved translator.
Make sure you bring
the original unsigned foreign language document - including all annexures; AND
The foreign language source document and its translation both signed and stamped by the translator.
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NAATI translators
The translator's official stamp will include their name, registration number, approval details and the date of the translation.
If you can only access an electronic copy of translated documents, we must be able to access the translator's original email.
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Documents in two languages
Some countries issue a single document in their official language and in English. Translations of these documents may not be required. Check with us first.
Other Notarial Services
Other Notarial Services
Verification of Company documents and ASIC registration details.
Verification of personal identity and/or signature.
Witness execution of local and international documents such as land transfers, assignments of intellectual property, powers of attorney.
Administer oaths on affidavits.
Prepare Certificates of Good Standing for corporate entities.
Contact us if you have other requirements.
Any document not in English will need to be translated by a NAATI accredited translator.
Online notary?
A notary cannot witness your signature using online technology. You must attend in person for your signature to be witnessed.
Cost
Fees for notarial services
Fees payable depend upon the service to be provided. Contact us for a quote.
Fees are payable on the day that the service is provided.
We can let you know our charges in advance if you can provide us with a copy of the document/s before your appointment.
If an ASIC or other company search is required, a charge will be made for that service.
If you need an apostille, the DFAT charge for each apostille is $98.00 (as at 1 January 2024). See below for further information on getting an apostille.
Apostille and Authentication
Apostille or Authentication?
You will need an Apostille if:
Your document is intended for use overseas and the destination country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention;
You will need an Authentication if:
Your document is intended for use overseas and the destination country is NOT a party to the Hague Apostille Convention;
AND you have been specifically requested to obtain an Apostille Authentication by the issuing authority in the destination of your document.
You have the option to personally take your documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or we can obtain an apostille or authentication for you, for which a service fee will be charged.
DFAT charges $AUD98 for each apostille/authentication.
(DFAT fee is correct as at 1 January 2024)
FAQ's
Can a justice of the peace witness my signature instead of a notary public? If the document is to be used overseas, you will need your signature witnessed by a notary public.
Can a justice of the peace certify my documents as true copies? If the document is to be used overseas, you will need it certified by a notary.
Is every solicitor a notary public? No, in South Australia, a notary public must be enrolled and admitted on the Roll of Notaries kept by the Supreme Court of South Australia.
Do I need to make an appointment to see a notary? Yes. Notaries are also lawyers. If you walk-in without an appointment, they may be busy and not able to see you. Also, as you may not have everything needed for the appointment, a phone call or email before you come in can save time.