DFAT & Apostilles:
As discussed on our online booking page, as an insurance policy against fraud, most non-Commonwealth jurisdictions require certification— usually by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) — of the notary's seal and signature, which are held on file at DFAT and by many consulates. NIDS can advise which of the following steps apply to your documents:
('Legalisation' or 'Consularisation' of the Notary's Signature)
Step 1: A notary's seal and signature. Step 2a: DFAT Apostille ($60) — re: step 1 Step 2b: DFAT Authentication ($20) — re: step 1 Step 3: 'Consularisation' — re: steps 1 and/or 2 As a very general rule of thumb, Commonwealth Countries require only Step 1, 'Apostille Countries' require only steps 1 and 2a, and all other countries require steps 1, 2b and 3. However there are a significant number of important exceptions. NIDS can, together with your overseas advisors, advise you whether your situation falls into such an exception. |