Who Can Certify Documents in South Australia?
In South Australia, a copy of a document can be certified as being a true copy of an original document by a Notary Public, a Justice of the Peace (JP), or any other individual prescribed by statute.
It is the location of the end user of the document that determines the class of individuals that may certify it.
Notary Public
In South Australia, Notary Publics are legal practitioners appointed by the Supreme Court.
Their primary responsibility is to verify and authenticate documents for international use, including witnessing signatures, confirming identities, and certifying copies of original documents.
Notaries put their stamped ink or official seal (often impressed into a red or gold sticker) next to their signatures on documents.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is an Australian Government department that records Notaries’ seals and signatures in a database.
DFAT is authorised to issue Apostille or Authentication Certificates, confirming the authenticity of Notaries’ signatures, seals, or stamps on Australian public documents
Read more about Apostille and Authentication certificates (and their differences) here.
Justice of the Peace
A Justice of the Peace or JP certifies documents to be used in Australia.
JPs play a vital role in the community by offering services that assist with various local matters.
JP services, generally available for walk-in assistance, can be found in community centres and public libraries and are provided without cost.
Do I need a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace in South Australia?
You can visit a JP if you need to have an Australian document certified that will only be used in Australia.
Conversely – in simple terms – a Notary Public can certify Australian documents for use overseas.
Examples of overseas documents that require document certification by a Notary Public in South Australia are:
- Powers of Attorney
- Lost Passport
- Affidavits
- Verification of Identity (VOI)
- Overseas business and commercial documents
- Copies of original documents
- Statutory declarations.
Notary Public services generally involve:
- Booking an appointment
- Having your identity verified
- Ensuring you have decision-making capability
- Confirming you understand the intentions and effect of the document
- Verifying that the document is lawful.
Contact Us
If you have a document that requires a Notary Public’s verification or certification, contact Bambrick Legal today.
- Fill in our enquiry form here
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