DFAT Document Legalisation Request (Apostille / Authentication)

Issuing authority

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) — Australian Passport Office

Official source

How to apply

1. Confirm with the receiving overseas authority whether an Apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or an Authentication (for non-Convention countries) is required for your document
2. Ensure the document is an original Australian public document bearing an official signature, stamp, or seal — private documents must first be certified by a notary public or justice of the peace
3. If the document is not in English, obtain a NAATI-certified translation and have it attached to the original
4. Download and complete the Document Legalisation Request Form from the Smartraveller website (smartraveller.gov.au) — include credit card details in section 7 if submitting by mail
5. Book an in-person appointment at your nearest Australian Passport Office (available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney) via smartraveller.gov.au or by calling 1300 935 260 or emailing Authentications@dfat.gov.au
6. Attend your appointment with the original document(s), the completed request form, and a credit or debit card for payment — bring a self-addressed registered post envelope if you want documents returned by mail
7. Alternatively, post your original documents, completed request form, credit card authorisation, and a self-addressed registered post envelope to the DFAT GPO Box address in Melbourne or Sydney
8. DFAT officers verify the signature, stamp, or seal against their records and attach the apostille or authentication certificate — processing is typically 3 business days in person, but can take up to 6 weeks by mail
9. Collect your legalised documents in person or receive them via your provided self-addressed envelope

Related topics

Related forms

• New Adult Passport ApplicationPC1
• Passport RenewalPC2
• Child Passport ApplicationPC3
• Birth Certificate (Copy)
• Birth Registration (New Baby)