How to Get Your Identity Verified by a Notary in Australia

Verifying your identity is a critical step in many legal, financial, immigration, and business processes. When high levels of trust and legality are required, a notary public can play a crucial role in validating your identity.

This guide explores how identity verification by a notary works in Australia, including use cases, costs, document types, mobile and online options, and much more. Whether you’re a business owner, visa applicant, remote worker, or simply need to certify your ID, this article answers all your questions.

What Is Identity Verification by a Notary?

Identity verification by a notary involves a licensed notary public confirming that an individual is who they claim to be. The process includes:

• Verifying a valid government-issued photo ID
• Witnessing the person in real-time (in-person or via video)
• Applying a notarial certificate, seal, and signature

Once notarized, the identity document becomes a legally recognised record, accepted by banks, embassies, courts, immigration offices, and international institutions.

When and Why You Need a Notarized ID

You may need a notarized ID for:

• Visa and immigration applications
• University or scholarship documentation
• Real estate transactions
• Court filings and legal proceedings
• Bank account or loan applications
• Company director or KYC verification
• Remote employee onboarding or freelance contracts
• Digital identity registration (e.g., myGovID)

The main reason: Trust and legal admissibility. A notarized identity document carries legal weight in Australia and abroad.

How a Notary Verifies Your Identity (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose the Notary Service Type

You can get your identity verified through:

• In-person notary appointment
• Online notary (remote video-based)
• Mobile notary (at your home, office, or preferred location)

Step 2: Present Valid Identification

Bring a valid form of ID such as:

• Passport (Australian or foreign)
• Driver’s Licence
• Medicare Card
• Visa or Immigration ID
• Student ID (for academic use)

Step 3: Identity Verification

The notary will:

• Review the ID’s authenticity
• Compare it to your appearance
• Complete a notarial certificate of identity
• Apply their official notary seal and signature

Step 4: Receive Your Notarized Document

You will get either a certified true copy or an identity verification certificate, usable immediately.

Types of ID Documents That Can Be Notarized

Online, Mobile, and Same-Day ID Notary Options

Online Identity Notarization

Online notaries offer secure video calls to verify identity documents. Perfect for:

• Remote workers
• Regional Australians
• Time-sensitive visa or financial needs

Search for:

• Online identity verification notary
• Remote ID check notary
• E-notary identity Australia

Mobile Identity Notarization

Need a notary to come to you? Mobile notaries can visit:

• Homes
• Offices
• Hospitals
• Aged care facilities
• Detention centres

Ideal for:

• Elderly or disabled clients
• Urgent or after-hours requests

Costs and Legal Validity of Notarized Identity Documents

Typical Costs

Legal Validity

A notarized identity document is accepted by:

• Courts
• Banks and financial institutions
• Government departments
• Foreign embassies and consulates
• Universities and immigration bodies

Identity Verification for Business, Visa, Court, and Employment

Business and Corporate

• Company director verification
• KYC and AML compliance for onboarding
• Stakeholder or shareholder ID notarization

Visa & Immigration

• Notarized ID for student, work, or partner visas
• Embassy and migration application identity proof
• Passport identity validation for travel overseas

Court and Legal

• Court affidavit identity verification
• Tribunal submissions
• Proof of identity for bail, hearing, or legal contracts

Employment & Freelance Work

• ID for employee onboarding
• Freelancer ID verification for platforms
• Contractor background check compliance

Digital ID and the Future of Notarization in Australia

Australia is moving rapidly toward digital identity solutions such as myGovID, but notarization remains essential for:

• Certifying your identity for international recognition
• Legal transactions still requiring a physical seal
• Integrating with blockchain and secure online portals

Tools like identity verification apps, video notarization, and remote onboarding platforms now support notary-based identity verification.

FAQs About Notarizing Your Identity

Q: Can I notarize identity documents online in Australia?
Yes. Remote notarization via secure video is legally valid and widely accepted.

Q: What ID is accepted for notarization?
A valid passport, driver’s licence, or official government-issued photo ID is required.

Q: Can I use a JP (Justice of Peace) instead?
Only for local use. For courts, embassies, or financial institutions, a notary public is recommended.

Q: Is notarized ID accepted internationally?
Yes, particularly if followed by an apostille certificate (for Hague countries) or embassy legalisation (for non-Hague countries).

Final Checklist: What to Bring and How to Book

Documents You’ll Need:

• Original valid ID
• Any supporting documents (e.g., visa forms, letters)
• Printed or digital copy of the ID (for certified copy)

How to Book a Notary:

• Search for identity verification notary near me
• Choose in-person, mobile, or online
• Select same-day or future slot
• Get your ID verified and notarized fast

Final Thoughts

Whether you're buying property, applying for a visa, or proving your identity for legal or business matters, a notary public’s certification of your identity gives your documents trust, legality, and global recognition.

With flexible services including online notarization, mobile notaries, and same-day appointments, Australians now have more options than ever to access fast, secure, and compliant identity verification services.