What is a Notary Public and Why Do I Have to Use One?
Looking for a Notary Public in New South Wales? Jeffrey Choy from JCL Legal explains the role of a public notary, document certification, witnessing signatures, and the importance of proper identifica
Good morning,
“What is a notary public and why do I have to use one?”
I wish you and yours a wonderful 2026 with wonderful health, great happiness and much prosperity.
I have been asked to explain the role of a public notary. When documents need to be certified as true copies or a document needs to be signed to be used outside of Australia, you need use a Notary Public. In New South Wales, notary publics are lawyers who have held their full practicing licence for a minimum of 5 years, undertaken the appropriate qualifications then been appointed by the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
As such, I have been granted the to power to certify documents, witness signatures, administer oaths and undertake a range of functions for both national and international use. The Public Notaries Act 1997 sets out the recommended fees for my service and how I am to act in this role. My seal and signature are officially recorded in the database held by the Australian Government Department of Finance and Trade (DEFAT), the government entity authorised to issue Apostille or Authentication certificates. The notarising of documents is regulated by an international convention.
A public notary is an impartial and qualified witness, who ensures that documents and signatures are genuine. A notary public when witnessing the signing any agreement, has to ensure, to the best of their ability that the person entering any agreement, does so willingly, knowing what they are doing. commitment. In these times where fraud is rampant, the notary public creates a trustworthy person Accordingly, you must bring sufficient photographic identification with you such as a driver licence or passport to identify yourself, to enable the notary to properly identify you.
For certificates of studies, DEFAT requires that such documents are verified by the study institutions. This can usually be undertaken by approaching the registrar of your school, college or university to obtain confirmation by email of your qualification, this needs to be emailed direct to my office by the educational institution.
For a document to be notarised as a true copy, it is essential that I see the original document or in the case of electronic document, the original email containing the document. When I witness your signature or take an oath I only need to ensure that you understand the document and agree to its contents. On that basis, I do not need to know the contents or the language in which it is written.
If you need any documents notarised please make an appointment by ringing me on my mobile or emailing me. I am available during office hours at my city office or after hours and weekends at my Riverwood office.
If I can assist you or anyone you know please do not hesitate in ringing me on 0419 233 670.
Have a wonderful day,
Jeffrey Choy
Jeffrey Choy
JCL Legal
0419 233 670
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Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.