By Ern Phang, Solicitor & Notary Public
Director of Phang Legal. Solicitor since 1998 and notary public since 2005.
Example: the situation
Varun has been a permanent resident for years but still relies on his Indian passport as his only identification. When it's lost, he finds he can't prove who he is to have Form V notarised.
Local photograph identification solves many problems before they start. Let's discuss why.
Get your identification sorted!
As a leading provider of notary public services in Sydney, we're constantly providing assistance to members of the Indian community living in Australia. After decades of experience, there's one piece of advice which we think is the best advice - for Indians living here as permanent residents - and that is to get your local identification sorted. Apply for and obtain an Australian government photocard or photograph identification, or convert your Indian drivers licence to an Australian drivers licence.
A locally recognised photograph identification document will resolve many issues. If you don't, you may find yourself stuck in certain circumstances and there's very little that we or VFS, on behalf of the Indian Consulate, can do for you.
What notary public services do we provide for Indians?
We provide the Indian community with a range of notary public services. Whether it's helping them to convert their Indian drivers licence to an Australian drivers licence when their names are different on their Indian drivers licence and Indian passport, or to witness their documents such as General Power of Attorney or Special Power of Attorney for use in India, we've provided the solutions for different situations and different problems. Unfortunately, there are some situations that we can fix - and it's in those cases that you need to take action before it becomes a problem to avoid the difficulties that we see some people have.
What problems could you have if you don't have Australian photograph identification?
Although you could always carry your Indian passport and use that as your primary photograph identification in Australia, it's not always the best or most practical form of identification. Instead, it would be better (and more relevant in Australia) to carry an Australian photograph identification, like an Australian drivers licence or an Australian photocard or photograph identification. In Australia, these documents are widely accepted by most places as the primary photograph identification because Australia does not have a national identity card.
For example, if you lose or damage your Indian passport (or if it's stolen), you'll need to apply to VFS/Indian Consulate for a replacement. The application is in the form of an affidavit known as Form V. The affidavit must be sworn/declared and signed in front of a notary public - that's what we do. However, if you don't have your passport (because it's lost, stolen or damaged beyond recognition) you'll need to have some other form of valid identification document that's valid and acceptable in Australia. Generally, the only documents that would be accepted as valid identification documents are government-issued identification documents that have your photograph (ie, a drivers licence or photocard). If you don't have a valid identification document with your photograph, you don't be able to identify yourself to sign the affidavit.
So many people ask us to help them to witness their signature on Form V but we can't help without some form of valid identification to confirm that you are the person signing the Form V. You need photograph identification that is valid in Australia.
What next?
To obtain a quote on our notary public services for India, please visit Request a notary quote.Example: the solution
After that experience, Varun converted his Indian drivers licence and now carries an Australian licence. When his father later needed a power of attorney witnessed, Varun's identification was ready and the appointment took minutes.
About Us
This blog is maintained by Phang Legal, a boutique law firm with offices in Parramatta and Rouse Hill. We help clients from across Sydney and beyond with personal, professional and timely Legal Services, Notary Services and Apostille Services.
As a leading provider of notary services in Sydney, we have 1k+ Google Reviews (4.9) (updated July 2026) with many clients happy to share their experience in using our services.
Phang Legal — Parramatta6/83 George Street
Level 3, 87 Marsden Street (from 1 March 2026)
Parramatta NSW 2150
Phang Legal — Rouse Hill
214/80 Main Street
Rouse Hill NSW 2155
Call 02 9687 8885 | WhatsApp | Request quote
About the author
Ern Phang — Solicitor & Notary Public
This article was written by Ern Phang, a director of Phang Legal, a solicitor since 1998 and a notary public since 2005.
Ern has been a member of the Society of Notaries of NSW since 2005, a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Notaries since 2013, and a member of the Law Society of New South Wales since 1998.
Ern regularly writes about his experiences as a notary public and the practical issues his clients face when sending documents from Australia to India and other countries all over the world.
Using information in this article
This article provides general information. Requirements, forms, fees and service arrangements may have changed since its original publication. Check the receiving organisation’s current requirements and obtain advice relevant to your circumstances.
