Overseas governments sometimes need proof that a signature, stamp or seal on a document are genuine before they will accept them. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will certify to the authenticity of signatures, stamps and seals by checking them against specimens held on file and stamping the document with an authentication or apostille.

Please check with the government of the country concerned to find out which stamp you need, and
which documents (if any) you need to have stamped.

It is not a requirement of Australia to have documents apostilled.

In regard to marriages the marriage certificate presented at the time of the ceremony is a display document for frames or photo albums only.

The minister or celebrant submits his paper work to the Births, Deaths and Marriages office in Perth where the marriage is registered.

The apostille can only be obtained once the registered marriage certificate has been issued by the Births, Deaths and Marriage Registrar.

It costs $AUD60.00 to apostille the document and it takes about 5 minutes.

Anybody can take the document in.

Office Hours:
10.30 am – 12.00 Noon
14.00 pm – 15.00 pm.

Address:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Level 17, Exchange Plaza, Sherwood Court, Perth WA 6000 (just opposite London Court on the other side of St George's Terrace in central Perth)

The situation may vary from country to country as to whether an apostille or authentication is required.

Contact Details:
Tel: 08 9231 4464
Email: enquirieswa@dfat.gov.au
Web: www.smartraveller.gov.au