Finding practical solutions during the restrictions in Sydney
The current restrictions and 'stay at home' orders in Greater Sydney will continue for the remainder of the month. This means that for many people who thought they could wait until our office reopens will now have to consider other alternatives to notarise their documents. Our office will remain closed to the public for face-to-face appointments until the restrictions have been lifted after 28 August 2021 (unless extended).
Despite being closed to the public for face-to-face appointments, we have continued to provide notary public services to the Indian community in a limited capacity.
No witnessing
Due to the restrictions, we aren't able to offer witnessing services. Witnessing services requires you to visit our office in person which you cannot do because of the 'stay at home' orders. Accordingly, this means we cannot notarise documents such as the general power of attorney, special power of attorney or other forms and declarations. You need to sign these documents in person and in our office, and so you'll have to wait until the restrictions have been lifted and our office reopens.
Certifying and attesting copies of document continuing
As for documents that don't require witnessing, we can still assist by notarising those depending on what you require. For example, we're still attesting, certifying and notarising copies of original public documents like passports, Australian birth certificates, Australian marriage certificates or Australian drivers licences. In all cases, this requires us to have the original document and that's where we engage same-day courier services to collect the original document from you and return it to you (with the notarised copies) once it's been completed.
Same day courier service
Some of you have already taken up our offer of including same-day courier services with our notary public services and, despite the occasional hiccup, we think it's working well. Those who have taken advantage of this service have benefited from having their documents notarised and returned to them with minimal hassle and fuss. Although it's more expensive than just notarisation, there are certainly benefits of using the same-day courier as it avoids the effort, time and expense of travelling to our office and that's a blessing that some people can appreciate.
Of course, we admit not everything is perfect and there have been some challenges in using a courier service especially during these restrictions. But please understand that the courier services are actually under higher demand than usual since many people are complying with the 'stay at home' orders and are now relying on these courier services as well.
So if you're in urgent need of notary public services, and you need copies of original documents (such as passports, drivers licences, VEVO/Visa documents) to be attested, certified and notarised, then this is the only available solution at this time.
... or wait
For everyone else, there's still the option of waiting until after the restrictions have been lifted. Assuming the situation in Sydney improves, then we expect the restrictions should be lifted by the end of August 2021. However, please don't ask us when the restrictions will be lifted. We know as much as you know and that's all dependent on government announcements. If you're able to wait, then wait. We'll still be offering notary public services and we can attend to your requirements at that time, otherwise if you urgently need to have your documents certified, attested and notarised and you want to do it now - please take advantage of our current service offering including the same-day courier service.
