Who Can Certify your Documents?

To certify your document, photocopy it, (ensuring any text and photograph is clear and identifiable), then take the copy and original to one of the certifiers listed below.

If your document is not in English, you must provide a written translation certified as a true and correct copy by an authorised translation service. The translation must be completed by an appropriate embassy, or a professional translation service accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd.

The certified copy must:

• be signed by the certifier
• be stamped (if a stamp is available)
• include the date of certification.

The stamp must show the certifier’s qualification, contact details including telephone number, and reference number (if applicable).

If the certifier does not use a stamp, or the stamp does not include their name, they should print their name underneath their signature.

A certifier should never witness documents for their family, business, clients, employer or any other person where it could create a real or perceived conflict of interest.

A certifier should never witness documents connected with matters in which they have an actual or perceived personal or financial interest.

What Does the Certifying Person Need to Do?

The Certifying Person must:

1. write on the copy “This is a true copy of the original documents sighted by me”;
2. sign and print their name;
3. provide a contact telephone number;
4. state their profession or occupation group;
5. write on the copy the date certified
6. list the appropriate registration number; and
7. affix the official stamp or seal of the certifier’s organisation on the copy (if available).

Who can certify a copy of a document?

Any person or agency recognised by the law of the country in which you live can certify documents. All our offices outside Australia have a person who can certify or witness documents. You might have to pay for this service.