Notarial Fees and What to Expect
Leo Lee — Notary Public
We offer two service options: notarisation only, or notarisation with DFAT Apostille or Authentication assistance.
All amounts are in Australian dollars. Our professional and service fees include GST. Government fees and postage are separately itemised.
How our pricing works
Our notarisation fees are based on the time required to complete your work, rather than a fixed charge for each document or page. When you have several documents to sign in one appointment, this can be more economical than charging separately for every document.
The time includes reviewing your paperwork, checking your identification, witnessing signatures, certifying copies and completing the necessary notarial formalities.
Some documents require a Notarial Certificate—a formal statement setting out what was notarised and on what basis. Preparing a certificate typically takes around 15 minutes. If one is required, we will explain this before proceeding and include the preparation time in your quote.
Send us your documents and explain what they are for. Once we have reviewed them and confirmed the scope, we will confirm your fee before starting. Any additional work will be discussed with you before further charges are incurred.
Category 1 — Notarisation only
This option is suitable if you need your documents notarised and will arrange any subsequent certification yourself.
| Time required | Indicative work covered | Fee including GST |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 minutes | Around 1–3 signatures | $110 |
| 6–10 minutes | Around 4–6 signatures | $165 |
| 11–15 minutes | Around 7–10 signatures, or preparation of one Notarial Certificate | $220 |
| 16–20 minutes | Around 11–14 signatures | $275 |
| 21–25 minutes | Around 15–18 signatures, or preparation of two Notarial Certificates | $330 |
| 26–30 minutes | Around 19–21 signatures, or preparation of three Notarial Certificates | $385 |
| More than 30 minutes | Longer or more complex matters | Quoted before proceeding |
The examples are a guide, rather than guaranteed quantities. The time required depends on the documents, the number of people signing and the formalities involved. Certificate preparation and any associated witnessing or certification are included in the total time assessed.
Category 2 — Notarisation and DFAT certification
This option is suitable if you would like us to notarise your documents and arrange the next step with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Depending on the destination country and the receiving authority’s requirements, your documents may need a DFAT Apostille or Authentication.
Our DFAT service includes preparing the lodgement, submitting your documents, coordinating their return and arranging return Express Post delivery to you.
| Fee component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Notarisation | According to the Category 1 fee schedule |
| Our service fee for arranging DFAT certification | $220 including GST per lodgement |
| DFAT Apostille or Authentication fee | $105 per document requiring certification |
| Return Express Post | $30 per shipment |
The $220 service fee applies once to documents submitted together in the same lodgement. The DFAT government fee applies separately to each document requiring certification.
Your total fee is the notarisation charge, plus $220 for our DFAT service, plus $105 for each document requiring DFAT certification, plus $30 for return Express Post.
For example, one document requiring 6–10 minutes of notarial work and one DFAT certificate would cost:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Notarisation | $165 |
| DFAT arrangement service | $220 |
| DFAT government fee | $105 |
| Return Express Post | $30 |
| Total | $520 |
DFAT government fees are charged at the rate applicable when the documents are lodged. We will confirm the applicable charge in your quote. Any consular legalisation, translation, international delivery or other additional requirements will be quoted separately.
Other professional and administrative services
| Service | Fee including GST |
|---|---|
| Notarial attendance away from our usual appointment location | $660 per hour |
| Administrative work outside the agreed service scope | $44 per 10 minutes |
| Organisation of documents sent to us by post, where suitable for processing without an appointment | $110, in addition to the relevant notarial fee |
Travel time and any travel expenses will be agreed before an off‑site appointment.
Any additional administrative or postal organisation fee will be disclosed in advance. We do not charge separately for administrative work already included in the $220 DFAT service fee.
Whether documents can be processed by post depends on the work required. Documents requiring your signature to be witnessed will ordinarily require an appointment.
Getting a quote
For an obligation‑free estimate, call 03 9830 0922 during business hours.
To help us provide an accurate quote, please send copies of your documents and tell us:
- What type of documents they are.
- What you need them for.
- Which country they will be used in.
- How many people need to sign.
- Whether the receiving authority requires an Apostille, Authentication or other certification.
Payment
For notarisation‑only appointments, payment is due on completion of the appointment.
Where we arrange DFAT certification, payment of the quoted fees, government charges and postage is required before lodgement.
Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer. A tax invoice or receipt will be provided. If the invoice needs to be issued to a company or another party, please provide those details before payment.
We do not offer credit terms or undertake corporate onboarding or supplier registration solely to facilitate deferred payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is your fee hourly or fixed?
Our fee schedule uses time bands to calculate the notarisation charge. Once we have reviewed your documents and understood the work required, we will confirm the fee before proceeding.
Will I pay separately for every document?
Our notarisation fee is based on the total time required for the work. Several documents can be completed during the same appointment. DFAT charges are separate and apply to each document requiring its certification.
Do I need a Notarial Certificate?
Some documents require a separate certificate describing the notarial work performed. We will review your documents and any instructions from the receiving authority, explain whether a certificate is required and include the preparation time in your quote.
Do I need an Apostille or Authentication?
This depends on the destination country, the document and the receiving authority’s requirements. Please provide any instructions you have received so we can identify the appropriate service.
Can I arrange DFAT certification myself?
Yes. You can choose Category 1 and arrange any subsequent DFAT certification yourself.
Can you come to my home or office?
Off‑site appointments may be arranged, subject to availability. We will confirm the attendance fee, travel charges and any expenses before you book.
Do you offer discounts?
Discounts may be available from time to time, including for returning clients or larger matters. Any discount will be confirmed in your quote.
Are there any additional costs?
Your quote will identify the costs relevant to your matter. Additional requirements may include translation, consular legalisation, international postage, courier delivery or work outside the original scope. We will discuss these with you before incurring additional charges.
When will I receive my documents?
We will explain the expected timeframe when quoting. Where DFAT or another authority is involved, completion depends on that authority’s processing time and postal delivery.