If you are a UK citizen living in Australia, chances are you will need to keep your affairs in order back home. Whether it’s managing property, dealing with a solicitor, or proving your identity to a UK bank, many official documents signed in Australia must be notarised before they will be accepted in the United Kingdom. In some cases, you will also need an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to make the document valid internationally.
As a Sydney-based Notary Public, I frequently assist British expatriates with the following documents:
1. Certified Copies of Passports and ID
UK financial institutions, pension funds, and solicitors often require certified ID. A notary can confirm that the copy is a “true likeness” of your original passport, driver’s licence, or other identification.
2. Powers of Attorney
If you own property or bank accounts in the UK, you may need to grant a Power of Attorney to a family member, solicitor, or trusted person to act on your behalf. Notarisation ensures your PoA is valid and accepted by UK authorities, including the Land Registry.
3. Property and Land Registry Documents
If you are selling or buying property in the UK from Australia, your conveyancer may send you transfer deeds, mortgage forms, or consent forms. These documents must be signed in front of a notary public to be accepted by the UK Land Registry.
4. Probate and Estate Matters
UK solicitors handling wills or estates often require notarised affidavits, declarations of identity, or proof of kinship. Many expatriates need these when acting as executors or beneficiaries in the UK.
5. Statutory Declarations and Affidavits
UK courts and solicitors may ask for sworn statements covering issues like residency, marital status, or name changes. These need to be notarised before they can be used in the UK.
6. Education and Professional Certificates
If you are returning to the UK for work or study, you may need notarised copies of your degrees, transcripts, or professional qualifications to satisfy universities, employers, or regulatory bodies.
7. Consent for Children’s Travel
UK authorities or airlines sometimes request notarised parental consent letters for children travelling without both parents. This is particularly common for dual-national families.
8. Business and Corporate Documents
UK companies with Australian-based directors or shareholders often need notarisation of company resolutions, share transfers, or incorporation certificates for use in cross-border business transactions.
Apostille from DFAT
In most cases, documents notarised in Australia must also be apostilled by DFAT before they will be recognised in the UK. I can guide you through this process to ensure your documents are properly legalised.
Final Word
For UK expatriates in Australia, notarisation is often an essential step to keeping your UK affairs running smoothly. From property transactions to identity verification, a Notary Public in Sydney can assist you in preparing documents that will be valid and accepted in the UK.
If you need assistance, please contact us to arrange an appointment.
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