Overseas governments sometimes need proof that Australian documents are genuine before they will accept them. Please confirm requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country you are submitting the documents to. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will certify that official signatures, stamps or seals on a document are genuine by checking them against a specimen held on file, and stamping the document with an Authentication or Apostille.
Cost for Authentications and Apostilles
The cost for an authentication of a document is $20 AUD per page, or $40 AUD for multiple pages or bindings.
The cost for an Apostille is $60 AUD per page, of $80 AUD for multiple pages or bindings.
Please see the frequently asked questions page if you are unsure of which type of stamp you require.
Document lodgement
Documents can be lodged in person or sent via post.
Their counter hours are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday to Friday. No appointment is required.
If posting your documents, payment can be made via the below methods:
  • bank cheque or money order made payable to the “Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade”
If mailing your document please post it, together with payment, to:
Consular Section 
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
GPO Box 879
Brisbane Qld 4001
The cost of returning your document by ordinary post is included in the fee. Please indicate how you would like your document/s returned on the Document Legalisation request form. If you would like your document returned via registered mail, please include a stamped, self-addressed registered envelope.
Overseas postage
If you are overseas and wish your document to be returned by Express Courier International (ECI) (Australia Post) please include extra payment of:
AU$33.25 — Asia/Pacific
AU$37.00 — USA/Canada/Middle East
AU$39.45 — Rest of the World.
We can also post documents via regular unregistered Airmail at no extra cost. We do not take any responsibility for documents once they have been posted.
All payments must be in Australian dollars