In short: we notarise certified copies of passports, driver licences, qualifications, police checks and other documents so they are accepted overseas. Bring the originals and your photo ID; most copies are certified during a single appointment, and we can arrange an apostille if needed.
If you need to use your passport, driver licence, or identity documents for official or overseas purposes, you may be required to have them certified by an Australian Notary Public.
At Chua Tan & Associates, we provide professional identity document notarisation services in Melbourne, including certified copies, identity verification, and preparation of documents for Apostille (DFAT certification) where required.
We assist individuals, businesses, and international clients with ensuring their identity documents are properly certified and accepted by overseas authorities.
Many overseas governments, banks, universities, and organisations require certified identity documents to confirm:
Common situations include:
Our Melbourne Notary Public regularly certifies the following identity documents:
We can certify either:
A certified copy is a document that has been verified as a true and accurate copy of the original.
In Australia, when certified by a Notary Public, the document is given enhanced international recognition, especially when used overseas.
A Notary Public will:
This makes the document acceptable for international use in many jurisdictions.
Many clients ask whether a Justice of the Peace (JP) is sufficient.
In general:
Suitable for:
Required for:
If your document is being used outside Australia, a Notary Public certification is usually preferred or required.
In some cases, certified identity documents may also require an Apostille issued by DFAT.
This is commonly required for:
Once Apostilled, your identity document is recognised in Hague Convention countries without further legalisation.
At Chua Tan & Associates, we provide a simple and efficient process:
We confirm:
You will need to attend our Melbourne CBD office with:
Our Notary Public will:
We can assist with DFAT Apostille application for international use.
You will receive fully certified documents ready for:
Clients choose us because we provide:
We ensure your identity documents are correctly certified the first time, reducing delays and rejection risk.
Yes. A Notary Public can certify a photocopy as a true copy of the original passport.
Yes. The original must be presented for verification before a copy can be certified.
Yes. In many cases, especially when combined with Apostille, they are accepted internationally.
A Notary Public provides internationally recognised certification, while a JP is generally limited to Australian domestic use.
Most identity document certifications can be completed during your appointment, depending on complexity.
Initial enquiries can be done remotely, but original documents must be presented in person.
If you require certified copies of your passport, driver licence, or identity documents, or need assistance with Apostille or international document certification, Chua Tan & Associates is here to help.
We provide fast, reliable, and professional notarial services from our Melbourne CBD office.
Contact us today to book an appointment or request document guidance.
A JP certification is generally only accepted within Australia. Overseas authorities usually require a copy certified by a notary public, often with an apostille or authentication from DFAT.
Yes. A notary can only certify a copy as a true copy after comparing it with the original.
A printout of an online document usually cannot be certified as a copy of an original. We will advise on alternatives, such as obtaining a hard copy from the issuing body.
Yes. Order the hard copy certificate from the AFP; the digital version often cannot be notarised. See our guide to notarising AFP police checks.
It depends on the country. Hague Convention countries usually require an apostille from DFAT, which we can arrange for you.
Our notary office is at Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Same-day appointments are often available, and we speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Call 03 9602 3988, email chuatan@tpg.com.au or book online. For a fixed-fee quote, see our notary fees page.
Phone: 03 9602 3988
Email: chuatan@tpg.com.au
Address: Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. After hours by appointment.
LIABILITY LIMITED BY A SCHEME APPROVED UNDER PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEGISLATION
© CHUA TAN ASSOCIATES LAWYERS, CONSULTANTS & PUBLIC NOTARY 2026
