In Victoria, apostilles and authentications are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) via the Melbourne Passport Office, not via the DFAT Victoria State Office. The Melbourne Passport Office relocated in November 2025 to the ground floor of Collins Place in the Melbourne CBD, with entry via Exhibition Street. Before visiting, applicants should check the current submission arrangements on the Smartraveller and Australian Passport Office websites, as in-person services are generally provided by appointment and arrangements may change.
The legal framework
Australia has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 16 March 1995. DFAT is the Australian authority responsible for issuing apostilles for documents destined for Convention countries and authentications for documents destined for other countries. Australian embassies and consulates abroad also provide these services for Australian documents held overseas.
DFAT legalises a document by verifying the signature, seal or stamp of an Australian official or notary public against a specimen it holds. It does not verify the contents of the document. If DFAT does not hold a specimen of the relevant signature, the document must first be notarised.
Documents that can be submitted directly
- Certain certificates issued by state and territory registries of births, deaths and marriages, signed by an official whose specimen signature is held by DFAT.
- Certain documents issued by Commonwealth agencies, such as police certificates, in a format accepted by DFAT.
- Documents that have already been notarised by an Australian notary public.
Private documents, such as powers of attorney, declarations, contracts, academic records and copies of identification, generally require notarisation before DFAT can take action on them.
Before you attend
- Please confirm the destination. Whether you need an an apostille or an authentication It depends on whether the receiving country is a party to the Apostille Convention.
- Prepare the documents. Ensure that each document is complete, notarised where required, and kept in good condition.
- Please complete the submission form published by DFAT, listing each document and its country of destination.
- Book or stay in accordance with the current arrangements, which may include in-person submission by appointment or submission by post.
- Consular legalisation. For countries that are not parties to the Convention, the authenticated document must then be submitted to the relevant embassy or consulate.
Common issues
- Going to the wrong office. The DFAT Victoria State Office does not provide document legalisation. Passport and notarial services are provided at the Melbourne Passport Office.
- Outdated addresses. Older online guidance may refer to the former Docklands location. You should check the Passport Office’s own website before visiting.
- Documents that DFAT cannot legalise. Documents witnessed solely by a Justice of the Peace, or copies certified by a person whose signature is not on file with DFAT, will generally be rejected.
- Unbound pages. Multi-page documents must be securely bound before submission and must not be separated afterwards.
What to bring
- The original documents, notarised where required.
- The completed DFAT submission form.
- Photographic identification.
- Any appointment confirmation.
How we can help
Our notary public prepares documents in the format required by DFAT and can explain whether an apostille or if authentication is required for the destination country. Our office is on Level 2, 262 Queen Street, in Melbourne’s CBD.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get an apostille in Melbourne?
In Victoria, apostilles and authentications are issued by DFAT through the Melbourne Passport Office, not through the DFAT Victoria State Office. The Passport Office relocated in November 2025 to the ground floor of Collins Place in Melbourne’s CBD, with entry via Exhibition Street. In-person services are generally by appointment.
Can I submit my documents to DFAT myself?
Yes. Original Australian public documents, and documents signed by officials whose signatures are on file with DFAT, can generally be submitted directly. Private documents, such as powers of attorney and statutory declarations, usually need to be notarised first. Please check the Smartraveller and Australian Passport Office websites for current submission arrangements.
What happens in countries that do not recognise apostilles?
DFAT issues an authentication certificate for documents destined for countries that are not parties to the Apostille Convention. The document must then be legalised by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Australia, which is a separate process with its own requirements, fees and processing times.
Notarial services at Chua Tan Associates are provided by our notary public, Kin Wee Chua. Our Melbourne office is located on Level 2, 262 Queen Street. To arrange an appointment, please call +61 3 9602 3988 or email chuatan@tpg.com.au. This article is for general information purposes only; requirements are determined by the receiving country and are subject to change, so please confirm these with the recipient of your documents.
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