Frequently Asked Questions

As a leading provider of notary public services in the Sydney metropolitan and Parramatta surrounding suburbs, we deal with a high volume of requests for notary public services in relation to documents intended for countries all over the world. Our experience with providing notary public services and our familiarity with the formal and ‘informal’ processes of many countries means that “we’ve seen it all before”.

We are able to guide you through the steps that you may need to take to ensure that your documents are legally valid and acceptable in the intended destination country. This collection of Frequently Asked Questions, are just that – questions that our clients regularly ask us from time to time regarding our notary public services.

General

  1. What's a 'notary public'?
  2. What does a notary public do?
  3. What's the difference between a notary public and a justice of peace?
  4. What makes you different from other notaries?
  5. What's an 'apostille'?
  6. I've been told I need an apostille. Where and how do I get it?
  7. What's 'authentication'?
  8. Are you recognised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade?
  9. Do you provide any services other than notary services?

Notary Fee

  1. Is there a recommended notary fee?
  2. Are you the cheapest?
  3. Why do other notary publics charge so much more?
  4. Do you charge an hourly rate or a fixed price for notary services?
  5. Do you offer any discounts?
  6. How do I get a quote for your notary services?
  7. How much does the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade charge?
  8. I want you to come to my office. Do you charge for travelling?
  9. What other fees may apply?

Documents

  1. Do you prepare documents for overseas?
  2. Do you have stamp paper or bonded paper?
  3. Do you have any templates for what the document needs to look like or the wording?
  4. Do my documents need to be in English or in any other language?
  5. My documents are on email or in a USB stick, can I print them at your office?
  6. Will you notarise an electronic document?
  7. Will you bind my documents?
  8. If I need certified copies of original documents, do I need to bring my own copies?
  9. Do I need to bring the document myself or I can send someone else?
  10. My document needs to be witnessed but I have already signed it. Can it still be notarised?

Translation

  1. What languages do you cover in relation to your translation services?
  2. Should I have my documents translated before or after you notarise my documents?
  3. Will my documents be translated by a NAATI accredited translator?
  4. How long does it take to translate my documents?
  5. Can I get my documents translated straight away?
  6. How much does it cost to translate my documents?
  7. Is it cheaper for me to arrange my own translation?
  8. Can I arrange my own translation?
  9. Do you provide an interpretation service?
  10. I am a NAATI accredited translator, do you have any job vacancies?

Office and Appointments

  1. Where's your office?
  2. How do I get to your office?
  3. Can I park in your office?
  4. Does your office have wheelchair access?
  5. Do I need to make an appointment?
  6. Are you open on the weekends?
  7. Can you notarise documents in my office?
  8. Do you need to see me in person?
  9. What sort of identification do I need to show?
  10. Why do you keep copies of my identification and notarised documents?

Accounts and Payment

  1. What kinds of payments do you accept?
  2. Do you have credit terms?
  3. When will I receive your tax invoice or receipt?
  4. Can you email the tax invoice to me?
  5. Is your notary fee tax deductable?