Notary and Translation Help by State and Town
Who can witness or certify a document depends on the state you are in and where the document is going. A Justice of the Peace is often enough for use in Australia; documents for use overseas usually need a notary, then an apostille or legalisation from DFAT. Start with your state's guide, then the page for your town.
Across Australia
New South Wales
JPs witness statutory declarations and certify copies for use in Australia; NSW JPs are not authorised to witness documents for use overseas, which need a notary.
State guides
- JP or Notary in NSW: Who Can Witness Your Document?
- Notary Public in Sydney: How to Get Documents Notarised
- Notary and Translation Services in New South Wales
- Notary Services in Sydney: Booking an Appointment
Towns and regions
Victoria
JPs and bail justices are free witnesses for Victorian and Commonwealth documents; documents for overseas use need a notary.
State guides
- Who Can Witness Documents in Victoria?
- Notary Public in Melbourne: How to Get Documents Notarised
- Notary and Translation Services in Victoria
Towns and regions
Queensland
Queensland has JPs and Commissioners for Declarations for local documents; notaries there are appointed through the Court of Faculties.
State guides
- JP, Commissioner for Declarations or Notary in Queensland
- Notary Public in Brisbane: How to Get Documents Notarised
- Notary Public on the Gold Coast: How to Get Documents Notarised
- Brisbane Notary Services: Booking Around Your Schedule
Towns and regions
Western Australia
WA lists who may witness statutory declarations under state law; documents for overseas use need a notary.
State guides
- Who Can Witness Documents in Western Australia?
- Notary Public in Perth: How to Get Documents Notarised
- Notary and Translation Services in Western Australia
Towns and regions
South Australia
South Australian JPs witness local documents; documents for overseas use need a notary.
State guides
- Who Can Witness Documents in South Australia?
- Notary Public in Adelaide: How to Get Documents Notarised
- Notary Services in Adelaide: Booking an Appointment
Towns and regions
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT follows Commonwealth rules for statutory declarations; Canberra is also where many embassies are.
State guides
Northern Territory
Territory JPs witness local documents; documents for overseas use need a notary.
State guides
Towns and regions
Tasmania
Tasmanian JPs witness local documents; documents for overseas use need a notary.
State guides
Not sure what your document needs? Tell us what it is and where it is going, and we will explain each step before you book.