APOSTILLE FOR AUSTRALIA
Apostille Services for Australia
Selling property in Australia, settling an estate, accessing superannuation, registering a business or moving for work? Australia accepts apostilles, and because Australian offices work in English, most U.S. documents need no translation. We notarize, obtain the apostille and ship your documents to Australia.
Over 20 years in business · Thousands of documents processed · 600+ five-star Google reviews
AUSTRALIA AT A GLANCE
Hague Convention member
A single apostille replaces consular legalization.
- Powers of attorney
- Property and estates
- Company documents
- No translation for English documents
How documents for Australia work
Documents we prepare for Australia
- Powers of attorney for selling or managing property in Australia
- Documents for deceased estates and probate in Australia
- Statutory declarations and affidavits, notarized here
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- Diplomas and transcripts for registration or employment
- Company documents for an Australian subsidiary, bank account or registration
- FBI background checks, when an Australian employer or office asks for an apostille
What Australia usually requires
| Document | Where the apostille comes from | What else to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Power of attorney | Secretary of the Commonwealth, after notarization | Use the wording your Australian solicitor provides |
| Birth, marriage or death certificate | Secretary of the Commonwealth or the issuing state | Certified copy |
| Corporate documents | Secretary of the Commonwealth or the state of incorporation | Certified or notarized copies |
| FBI background check | U.S. Department of State | Ask whether the office needs an apostille at all |
Requirements can differ by office and purpose. Always confirm the exact requirements with the office or lawyer receiving your documents. We are glad to review any instructions you have received.
How we handle it
- 1
Send us the document or instructions
Share the document or the list you received from your lawyer, employer or the office in Australia. We review it and confirm what each document needs.
- 2
We notarize or obtain the records
We come to you anywhere in Greater Boston to notarize, by appointment, or obtain certified copies of records you don’t have yet.
- 3
Apostille from the right office
Massachusetts documents go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, other states’ documents to the issuing state and federal documents, such as FBI background checks, to the U.S. Department of State.
- 4
Shipped to Australia
We scan the finished documents for your records and ship the originals with tracking, directly abroad or back to you.
Sending documents to Australia?
Tell us what you need, and we will take care of every step.
Good to know
English documents
Australian offices work in English, so U.S. documents usually need no translation.
Each state has its own forms
Property and estate rules vary by Australian state, so follow your solicitor’s instructions.
Corporate clients
Companies opening an Australian subsidiary or bank account can see Corporate Notary Services.
Need records first?
Serving Australian families and companies in Greater Boston
Common mistakes we help you avoid
- Using a generic U.S. power of attorney. Australian land registries usually expect their own form or specific wording.
- Assuming every document needs an apostille. Some Australian offices accept notarized documents without one, so ask first.
- Sending photocopies. Most offices need the original apostilled document.
- Names that don’t match. Check that names match across your ID and every document.
Frequently asked questions
Does Australia accept apostilles?
Yes. Australia has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1995, so an apostille replaces consular legalization.
Do my documents need a translation?
Not if they are in English. Australian offices work in English.
Who apostilles a power of attorney signed in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, after the document is notarized. We handle both steps.
Can you notarize an Australian form?
Yes, as long as it is complete and you understand what you are signing. Follow your solicitor’s instructions on witnessing and wording.
How long does it take?
A Massachusetts apostille usually takes one to two business days after notarization. Federal documents take longer.
Sending documents to Australia?
Tell us what you need, and we will confirm every detail before we begin.