Australian Embassy
France
Algeria, Chad, Mauritania, Monaco

Notarial Services

Notarial Service

Notarial services are legal acts which allow written records to be used for official or legal purposes. In Australia, these services are performed by Justices of the Peace, Public Notaries and similarly authorised persons. The Consular Fees Act 1955 (Cth) authorises consular staff overseas to perform notarial services for Australian documents and foreign documents for use in Australia.

Please read this page in full before making an appointment, mailing in your documents or contacting our offices with questions.

We also recommend that you read our Notarial services - Frequently asked questions (FAQs) page and Smartraveller’s Notarial services overseas page.

The full list of the services we provide can be found in the schedule of fees, but includes:

  • certifying copies of documents, photographs and identity;
  • witnessing signatures;
  • statutory declarations for use in Australia, where you cannot make the declaration online - see more
  • issuing Apostilles and Authentication certificates;
  • administering affidavits; and
  • issuing Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage (Certificat de Coutume ou de non-opposition au Mariage).
    See further instructions on how to apply for a CNI.

 

1. Mail-in Notarial Services

Some notarial services can only be requested by mail. The turnaround for these services is 2-3 business days.

Services which can be provided by mail include:

  • certified copies of documents only (note: the certifying of photographs and identity declarations require you to attend the Embassy in person); and
  • Apostilles and Authentication certificates.

Send your document to us at:

  • Consular Section
    Australian Embassy
    4, rue Jean Rey
    75724 Paris Cedex 15

Please include the following:

  • The original document
  • A letter indicating the service you require, with your contact details
  • A self-addressed registered envelope for us to return your documents (e.g. Lettre Suivie or Lettre Recommandée)

The payment must be paid before the application can be processed. We only accept Visa and Mastercard payments. Once we receive your application, we will send you a payment form to process the payment.

 

2. Notarials requiring an appointment

There are some services which specifically require you to attend one of our offices in person.
This includes the:

  • witnessing of signatures (e.g. on statutory declarations which cannot be made online, driver’s licence renewal applications and Australian property transfers);
  • administering of affidavits;
  • certifying of photographs and identity; and
  • issuing of Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage (Certificat de Coutume ou de non-opposition au Mariage). See further instructions on how to apply for a CNI.

Our office provides in-person services by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

You can make an appointment here

 

3. Fees

The Consular Fees Act 1955 (Cth) authorises consular staff overseas to perform notarial services for Australian documents and foreign documents for use in Australia. A fee is payable for each notarial service and is charged in Australian Dollars.

We accept card payment over the counter, or we can send you a payment form. We do not accept payments by cash or cheque.

See the schedule of fees.

 

Notarial Services Disclaimer
Please ensure that documents relating to the notarial services you require from the Embassy in France are presented in the correct form and that you provide the correct instructions for the notarial service you require. If you are unsure of the legislative requirements relating to the notarial service you require, you should seek independent legal advice. Please note that neither the Australian Government nor the Embassy in France guarantees the legal effectiveness of the notarised document or the accuracy of its content. Fees paid for notarial services are non-refundable.