The Notarisation Process
How notarisation works and what to bring to your appointment.
Expert & urgent document notarisation in Sydney.
Betar Lawyers’ Notary Public services give you peace of mind that your documentation is in safe, professional and expert hands.
Here’s what you need to know about the notarisation process and what to bring to your notary appointment.
We can arrange document notarisation at your place of business in Sydney CBD or after-hours for urgent cases - just call us to arrange on (02) 9279 1100.
What happens at my Notary appointment?
We make the notarisation process simple and stress-free. Notarisation of your documents will be personally handled by Justin Betar. One of Sydney’s most prominent Notaries with over two decades of Notary expertise, Justin has the experience and expertise to resolve the most complex and urgent Notary cases.
At your one-to-one appointment, Justin will:
Discuss your requirements
Identify the country your document is going to, if applicable
Explain your receiving country’s notarisation process and the authentication and legalisation that may be required
Give you a detailed breakdown of costs for your document notarisation, including any fees payable to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Notarise your document immediately, if possible. This involves preparing a special certificate called a Notary Public Certificate (or Notary Certificate) which is bound to your document or printed on the reverse side of the page; each page is individually signed and sealed by Justin.
What to bring to your Notary appointment
You must bring with you a formal identity document, such as a current Passport or Driver's Licence, displaying a recent photograph of yourself, to enable us to identify you.
To notarise your document, we must be satisfied that you:
- Fully understand the document to be witnessed or authenticated, particularly a document written in a foreign language
- Understand the document’s effect when sent abroad. We can insist that a document be translated into English, if it is not properly understood. Or require the presence of a qualified interpreter, if there is a language or communication issue.
Please note that If you require legal advice on the document that you are presenting for notarisation, this is a separate function and should be undertaken beforehand.
Notary Process FAQs
+ What is the notarisation process if my document is in a foreign language?
Depending on the nature and type of document, we may ask that your document is translated into English before you present it to us for notarisation. We can organise a translation of your document for you. We need to ensure that you understand and comprehend the document contents in order to notarise it, which is difficult to ascertain if it is in a foreign language. This is an important step to ensure compliance with the foreign jurisdiction requirements.
If you are fluent in the foreign language, then a translation of your document may not be required. Sometimes the foreign jurisdiction abroad requires the document to be prepared as a dual language document.
If your document is required to be translated, it must be done by an independent NAATI-certified translator, so that we can be certain that your document is an accurate translation.
NAATI is the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters in Australia. You can find a NAATI-certified translator through their search tool here.
Call our office to discuss your documentation as a first step on (02) 9279 1100 and we will advise what you need to do.
+ Can I have my documents notarised over video call?
We do not notarise documents via video conferencing. This is because we need to be satisfied of specific factors to notarise a document, which are only possible face-to-face and not through video call due to its limitations. The Society of Notaries NSW has advised that documents should not be notarised via video. You can read more about video call notarisation in our Covid-19 notary services blog here.
To overcome these difficulties Justin Betar has developed a number of workable solutions to assist you during these difficult times. Please contact us on 02 9279 1100 to discuss your requirements.
+ Does notarisation mean my documents are legal and valid?
When a Notary attaches their seal or signature to your document, it gives complete confidence for the receiver of the document as it confirms:
- That you are who you say you are
- That you are aware of the contents of your document and understand it
- That you have willingly signed the document in the Notary’s presence
Notary Publics are not responsible for ensuring the document is legal and valid for you. If you need legal advice in relation to a document and its contents, this has to be carried out before notarisation. We can help with this for you – just contact our team on (02) 9279 1100.
+ Do notarised documents ‘expire’?
Notary Certificates do not expire. The Notary’s Commission is for life. However, in order to practice as a Notary, the Notary must be a registered and practising Lawyer.
+ Useful links: Notary Process
For more information on the notarisation process, visit:
Book a Notary appointment in Sydney with Betar Lawyers
Contact Justin Betar to discuss your notary requirements on +61 (0)2 9279 1100 or book a consultation below.
All our work is backed by our Value Guarantee, our promise of exceptional service.