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.