Notary Public Service

Everything you need to know before contacting a Notary Public

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Here are three facts you may not have known about a Notary Public:

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• A Notary Public is a person who is required when documents need to be notarised for overseas use.

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• Certification from a Justice of the Peace will normally only be satisfactory for documents used in Australia, hence the need for a Notary Public.

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• A Notary Public has to be a solicitor (and fulfil other requirements).

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A JP’s authority is limited to Australia. A Notary Public, on the other hand, usually performs services in a professional, paid capacity, for documents intended for use overseas.

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A Notary Public receives their authority from either the State’s Supreme Court or (in the case of Queensland), from an English Archbishop.

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A notary’s primary role is to witness the signing of documents and contracts, administer oaths and verify copies of documents intended to be used overseas.

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With the help of an Apostille or Authentication Stamp from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), a Notary Public signs and validates an international document.

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Depending on the nature of the documents, contract or oath involved, you may require the services of a Notary Public.

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If you’re in need of a WA JP (not a Notary), please visit this link.

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