Flag

An official website of the United States government

Notarials
Notarial services are available for all nationalities by appointment

Overview

Scales, Seal, Pen

Consular Officers abroad provide notary services similar to the functions of a notary public in the United States. This service is available to both U.S. and foreign citizens who need to have documents notarized for use in the United States.

 

Australian Justices of the Peace (JPs) are not recognized in the United States.

 

Notarizing Documents in Australia

Through the U.S. Consulates

To have your document notarized at a U.S. Consulate, you must follow the procedures detailed below.

  • Make an appointment. All services are provided by appointment only.
  • Be aware of the current fee for notary services.
  • Bring a current, government-issued photo ID, such as a valid passport or current Australian/U.S driver’s license. The name on your photo ID must match the name in the document(s) you are having notarized.
  • Ensure that you understand the contents of the document. A Consular Officer cannot explain it to you.
  • Have completed the document with the appropriate names, places and dates. Do not sign the document. You are required to sign it at the Consulate in front of the Consul.
  • Supply witnesses, if your document requires them in addition to the notarization

 

Remote Online Notarization

For those seeking to have a document notarized for use in the United States, we encourage you to consider using a remote notarial service provider. This method of notarization is currently permitted in some form in many U.S. states. We recommend that you refer to your specific State Notary Handbook (generally available online) for more information to see if this option is suitable for your specific circumstance.

 

Using an Australian Public Notary

Documents can be notarized by an Australian notary for use in the United States. This is a two-step process, which does not involve the U.S. Consulates.

Step 1: Have your documents executed in front of an Australian Notary Public.

Following is a list of Australian Public Notaries who have made themselves known to the U.S. Consulates General.

 

Step 2: Have the signature and seal of the Notary Public authenticated by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by means of an Apostille.

This Apostille will make the notarization of this document legal in the United States under the conditions of the Hague Convention. Please contact the office, or representative, requesting these documents to ensure that an Apostille applied under the conditions of The Hague Convention is acceptable.