An Australian Notary Public is an appointment made by the Supreme Court with statutory powers to draft and certify domestic and international documents. Notaries have a unique seal that is recorded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and is affixed to documents close to their signature.

A Notary can assist with the following:

• Witness the execution of contracts, documents and certificates for international use;
• Witness the execution of affidavits, powers of attorney and statutory declarations for international use;
• Certify original copies of documents for international use.

A Notary must also ensure that:

• The person is who they say they are by examining a passport, driver’s licence or other identity document;
• is not in any way legally incapacitated, through any intellectual disability, mental or physical illness; and
• That the signatory fully understands the documents being signed, including their intention and effect