Notary Public Fees in Australia: What You Should Expect to Pay (and Why)

If you’ve been quoted different prices from various notary publics across Australia, you’re not imagining things. Unlike many professional services with standardised fee structures, notary public fees can vary significantly depending on location, document complexity, and the services required. Understanding what influences these costs can help you budget appropriately and choose the right notary for your needs.

Understanding Notary Public Services in Australia

Before diving into costs, it’s important to understand what a notary public actually does. A notary public is a qualified lawyer appointed by the Supreme Court to certify documents for use overseas. Unlike a Justice of the Peace who can witness signatures and certify copies for domestic use, notaries are internationally recognised authorities who verify the authenticity of documents for foreign jurisdictions.

Quick Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Total in 3 Steps

Step 1: Count Your Documents

• First non-commercial document: $170
• Each additional non-commercial document (same appointment): $75
• Commercial documents: $170 each

Step 2: Add Verifications (if needed)

• ASIC verification: $50
• Academic verification: $25 per degree
• Personal ID verification: $10 (covers up to 3 IDs)

Step 3: Add Authentication Costs

Choose your destination country:

Standard DFAT Apostille (for most countries):

• DFAT fee: $102 per document
• Our delivery service: $100
• Subtotal: $202

UAE:

• Non-commercial: $140 per document + $70 admin fee per 3 documents
• Commercial: $1,100 per document + $70 admin fee per 3 documents
• Plus: DFAT apostille ($202) + Embassy delivery ($100-200)

Qatar:

• Non-commercial: $50 per document
• Commercial: $75 per document
• Plus: DFAT apostille ($202) + Embassy delivery ($100-200)

Iraq:

• All documents: USD$160 per document
• Plus: DFAT apostille ($202) + Embassy delivery ($100-200)

Kuwait:

• Non-commercial: $35 per document
• Commercial: $70 per document
• Plus: DFAT apostille ($202) + Embassy delivery ($100-200)

Jordan:

• Non-commercial: $12.50 per document
• Commercial: $73.50 per document
• Plus: DFAT apostille ($202) + Embassy delivery ($100-200)

Quick Examples:

Example A: Single degree certificate for UK (DFAT apostille only)

• First document: $170
• Academic verification: $25
• DFAT apostille + delivery: $202
• Total: $397

Example B: Two statutory declarations for Qatar

• First document: $170
• Second document: $75
• DFAT apostilles (×2) + delivery: $304
• Qatar authentication (×2): $100
• Embassy delivery: $100
• Total: $749

Example C: Commercial contract for UAE

• Commercial document: $170
• ASIC verification: $50
• DFAT apostille + delivery: $202
• UAE commercial authentication: $1,100
• Admin fee: $70
• Embassy delivery: $100
• Total: $1,692

Not sure what you need? Contact us for a quote—we’ll calculate your exact cost based on your specific requirements.

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Our Transparent Pricing Structure

At our Canberra-based notary practice, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay:

Standard Notarisation Fees

• First non-commercial document: $170
• Additional non-commercial documents (same appointment): $75 each
• Commercial documents: $170 per document

Verification Services

We conduct thorough verification to ensure your documents meet international standards:

• ASIC verification: $50
• Academic verification: $25 per degree
• Personal ID verification: $10 (covers up to 3 verifications, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, driver licences, passports, Medicare cards, and citizenship certificates)

DFAT Apostille & Authentication

• DFAT apostille/authentication fee: $102 per document
• Delivery to and collection from DFAT: $100

Our Canberra location near the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade means we can hand-deliver your documents, ensuring faster processing and eliminating courier risks.

Embassy Authentication Services

We handle authentication with numerous embassies. Here are our most commonly requested services:

UAE (United Arab Emirates)

• Non-commercial documents: $140 per document + $70 admin fee per three documents
• Commercial documents: $1,100 per document + $70 admin fee per three documents

Qatar

• Non-commercial documents: $50 per document
• Commercial documents: $75 per document

Iraq

• All documents: USD$160 per document (no distinction between commercial and non-commercial)

Kuwait

• Non-commercial documents: $35 per document
• Commercial documents: $70 per document

Jordan

• Non-commercial documents: $12.50 per document
• Commercial documents: $73.50 per document

Embassy delivery fees: $100 or $200 for delivery to and collection from embassies, depending on distance from our office.

We also provide authentication services for many other embassies. Contact us for specific pricing for your destination country.

Why Our Pricing Offers Exceptional Value

1. Canberra Location Advantage

Being based in Canberra near DFAT and embassy districts provides significant advantages:

• Hand-delivery service: We personally deliver your documents rather than relying on couriers, reducing processing time and risk
• Faster turnaround: Direct access to government offices means we can often complete the full authentication process in 2-3 business days
• Embassy relationships: Our proximity allows us to maintain working relationships with embassy officials, smoothing the authentication process
• No interstate courier delays: Documents don’t need to travel back and forth from other states, saving both time and shipping costs

2. Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing

What you see is what you pay. Our quotes include:

• Full notarisation and document verification service
• All necessary verifications through official databases
• Coordination with DFAT and embassies
• Personal delivery and collection services

3. Bulk Document Discounts Built In

Notice that additional non-commercial documents at the same appointment are only $75 versus $170 for the first document. This built-in discount makes it cost-effective to have multiple documents notarised together.

Why Do Notary Fees Vary Across Australia?

Understanding why you might see different prices from other notaries helps explain the value we offer:

Document Complexity

While our base rates are straightforward, the complexity of your document affects the time and expertise required:

• Simple documents: A one-page statutory declaration requires minimal review
• Complex commercial documents: Multi-page contracts need thorough legal examination to ensure they meet destination country requirements
• Company documents: Corporate paperwork requires verification through ASIC and careful review of signing authority
• Documents with unusual requirements: Some countries have specific formatting or certification requirements that take expertise to navigate

Professional Responsibility

Like all Australian notaries public, we carry substantial professional indemnity insurance and maintain ongoing legal education. Our fees reflect this professional responsibility and the legal liability we assume when certifying documents for international use.

Complete Cost Transparency: What’s Included

When you receive our quote, it includes:

Notarisation Service

• Verification of your identity through approved methods
• Witnessing of signatures where required
• Application of notarial seal and certificate
• Professional certification using internationally recognised formats

Database Verifications

• ASIC searches for company documents
• Academic institution verification for qualifications
• Personal ID document verification through official channels
• Ensuring all parties have proper capacity and authority

Authentication Coordination

• Hand-delivery to DFAT for apostille processing
• Liaison with embassy officials for consular authentication
• Tracking and status updates throughout the process
• Collection and return of fully authenticated documents

How to Maximise Value When Using Our Services

Bundle Documents When Possible

Take advantage of our $75 additional document rate by having multiple documents notarised in the same appointment. If you’re applying for a visa or completing an international transaction, gather all documents that need notarisation and book a single appointment.

Plan Ahead for Standard Processing

While we can often accommodate urgent requests, planning ahead allows for standard processing timeframes and avoids the stress of last-minute arrangements. Book your appointment at least 5-7 business days before you need fully authenticated documents.

Bring Complete Documentation

To avoid delays and potential additional appointments:

• Bring original documents (not copies) where required
• Ensure all documents are complete and properly filled out
• Have a valid ID ready (passport, driver’s licence, or other government-issued photo ID)
• Bring any supporting documents mentioned in your destination country’s requirements

Ready to Get Started?

Fast, reliable, transparent notary services in Canberra.

Located near DFAT and embassy districts, we provide the complete authentication service you need with pricing you can trust. Whether you’re applying for an overseas visa, purchasing international property, or conducting business abroad, we’ll ensure your documents are properly notarised and authenticated.