The first step for countries outside the Convention.
Where the destination is not party to the Apostille Convention, DFAT issues an authentication certificate. Most authorities then also require legalisation by their embassy or consulate in Australia — we coordinate both.
DFAT authentication, explained.
An authentication certificate is issued by DFAT to verify the signature or seal on an Australian public document for use in a country that is not party to the Apostille Convention. It is usually followed by embassy or consular legalisation.
Four steps. Each one visible to you.
Confirm the chain
We confirm the destination country's requirements, including whether embassy legalisation follows.
Notarise if needed
Private documents and copies are notarised by an Australian notary public first.
DFAT authentication
We lodge with DFAT and track the request.
Embassy step
Where required, we coordinate submission to the embassy or consulate (quoted separately unless fixed-priced, such as the UAE).
Quoted per service
Tell us about your document and we'll email a written quote, with our fee and any government or embassy charges on separate lines. Nothing is payable until you approve it.
DFAT processing times vary. Embassy steps add further time that depends on each embassy.
Included
- Pathway confirmation for your destination
- DFAT lodgement and follow-up
- Coordination of the embassy step where required
- Status updates at every real step
Not included
- DFAT fee (shown separately)
- Embassy or consulate fees (confirmed on assessment)
- Translation if the embassy requires it
Documents we see every week.
- Civil certificates for marriage or residency abroad
- Qualifications for employment abroad
- Company documents for overseas registration
- Powers of attorney for property abroad
Our role. Apostille Express is an independent, privately owned document assistance service. We are not the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), an embassy, a consulate or any government authority, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Apostilles and authentication certificates for Australian documents are issued only by DFAT. Embassy legalisation is performed only by the relevant embassy or consulate, and notarisation only by an Australian notary public. Government processing times and acceptance decisions are outside our control and are never guaranteed.