Confirming the legitimacy of your documents

Do you need to get your documents certified? Find out what to do and who to turn to.

A certified copy is a photocopy of the original that has been 'certified' as a true copy.

Certifying a document

A document can be certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or someone currently employed as one of the following:

  • accountant – a member of a recognised professional accounting body or a registered tax agent
  • bank manager
  • credit union branch manager
  • commissioner for declarations
  • barrister, solicitor or patent attorney
  • police officer
  • postal manager
  • principal of an Australian secondary college, high school or primary school
  • doctor, pharmacist or registered nurse
  • defence force officer

Justice of the Peace services at Service Connect are currently unavailable.

Certifying documents outside of Australia

Most Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates will certify documents that are intended for use in Australia.

Visit Smartraveller for more information.