Apostille & Legalisation for Marriage Certificates (Australia)

Planning to use your Australian marriage certificate overseas? You may need apostille or legalisation to make your certificate legally recognised in another country. Here’s everything you need to know about the authentication process.

When You Need Apostille vs Legalisation

Apostille (Hague Convention Countries)

Use apostille for countries that signed the Hague Convention, including:

  • Most European Union countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Many others

What is an apostille?

  • Single authentication process
  • Recognised internationally in Hague Convention countries
  • Faster and simpler than full legalisation
  • Attached to your original document

Legalisation (Non-Hague Convention Countries)

Use legalisation for countries that haven’t signed the Hague Convention, including:

  • China
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Some African and Middle Eastern countries

What is legalisation?

  • Multi-step authentication process
  • Involves both DFAT and foreign consulate
  • Takes longer than apostille
  • Required for non-Hague countries

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Get Your Official Marriage Certificate

  1. Order from Tasmania BDM (not your ceremonial certificate)
  2. Request certified copy or extract as required
  3. Ensure it’s recent - some countries require certificates issued within 6-12 months
  4. Order multiple copies if you need certificates for different purposes

Learn how to order your certificate

Step 2: DFAT Authentication

All overseas use requires DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) authentication first.

Online Application:

  • Apply through DFAT’s online portal
  • Upload documents and complete application
  • Pay fees online
  • Track progress through your account

Postal Application:

  • Download forms from DFAT website
  • Complete accurately with all required details
  • Include original documents and payment
  • Post to DFAT authentication services

What DFAT Does:

  • Verifies the document is genuine
  • Attaches authentication (apostille or preliminary authentication)
  • Returns authenticated document to you

Step 3: Consular Legalisation (If Required)

Only needed for non-Hague Convention countries

  1. Take DFAT-authenticated document to relevant foreign consulate
  2. Complete consulate application forms
  3. Pay consulate fees
  4. Wait for processing (timeframes vary by country)
  5. Collect legalised document

What You’ll Need

For DFAT Authentication

  • Original marriage certificate from Tasmania BDM
  • Completed application form
  • Payment (see DFAT website for current fees)
  • Return postage (if applying by post)
  • Identification documents

For Consular Legalisation

  • DFAT-authenticated document
  • Consulate application forms
  • Additional fees (varies by country)
  • Passport or identification
  • Specific requirements vary by consulate

Processing Times and Fees

DFAT Processing

  • Standard service: Check DFAT website for current timeframes
  • Express service: Available for urgent applications
  • Fees: See DFAT website for current pricing
  • Peak periods: May involve longer delays

Consular Processing

  • Varies significantly by country and consulate
  • Can range from same-day to several weeks
  • Fees vary by consulate and country
  • Contact consulate directly for specific information

Common Uses for Authenticated Certificates

Immigration and Visas

  • Spouse visa applications
  • Family reunion visas
  • Permanent residence applications
  • Citizenship by marriage
  • Property purchases overseas
  • Banking and financial services
  • Insurance claims
  • Court proceedings
  • Name change documentation

Employment

  • Work visa applications
  • Professional registration
  • Background checks
  • Employer verification

Tips for Success

Plan Ahead

  • Start early - the process can take several weeks or months
  • Check requirements with the receiving country/organisation
  • Allow extra time for postal services and processing
  • Consider express services if you’re in a hurry

Get the Right Certificate

  • Official certificate only - ceremonial certificates cannot be authenticated
  • Recent certificates may be required by some countries
  • Certified copy vs extract - check what’s needed
  • Multiple copies may be required for different purposes

Check Country Requirements

  • Contact the foreign consulate for specific requirements
  • Some countries have additional steps or requirements
  • Translation may be required in addition to authentication
  • Specific formats or certificate types may be mandated

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my ceremonial certificate for apostille? A: No, you must use an official marriage certificate from Tasmania BDM.

Q: How long does the whole process take? A: For apostille: usually 2-6 weeks. For legalisation: 4-12 weeks or more, depending on the consulate.

Q: Do I need to translate my certificate? A: Authentication doesn’t include translation. You may need certified translation separately.

Q: What if my certificate gets lost during the process? A: Use registered post and consider getting multiple certificates before starting.

Q: Can I speed up the process? A: DFAT offers express services. Some consulates also offer expedited processing for additional fees.

Q: What if I need my certificate for multiple countries? A: You’ll need separate authentication for each country, so order multiple original certificates.