Attesting copies of passports is a common request, but why?
Don't lose your passport!
Your passport is an important document. While it's not irreplaceable, to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport is a real hassle - an unnecessary burden if it can be avoided. There are going to be many times when you'll have to prove your identity and perhaps rely on your passport as evidence. In those cases, unless you absolutely have to, you shouldn't really be sending your original passport anywhere or to anyone. Not only can it be lost in the mail, but once your passport is out of your possession and control, then who knows what could happen to it. Instead of sending your original passport, perhaps you should consider sending a copy only.
Sending copies of your passport overseas
Depending on who needs to see your passport, the copies that you send to them may need to be attested by a justice of the peace or by a notary public. If you're sending a copy of your passport overseas, then it should be attested and notarised by a notary public rather than just attested by a justice of the peace.
VFS applications
If you need to send your original passport, or an attested copy of your passport, to VFS in support of any applications you may be submitting to them, we recommend sending an attested copy of your passport rather than your original passport. For people living in New South Wales, this also means your passport copy must be attested by a notary public while anyone else living in any other state can have their passport copy attested by a justice of the peace.
Primary identification document in Australia
If you don't have any other form of photograph personal identification in Australia other than your passport, you should probably carry a copy of your passport (preferably an attested copy) instead of your original passport. There have been many cases where we've had to help people who have lost their passport or had it stolen or damaged because they were carrying their passport around with them every day. You should keep your passport securely and if you don't apply for another form of identification (ie, like a NSW drivers licence or photocard) then consider only carrying an attested copy. Since you'll be using it only in Australia as your primary identification, you don't have to have it attested by a notary public and can rely on an attestation from a justice of the peace.
Our notary public services
As a leading provider of notary public services in Sydney, we help the community by attesting copies of passports all day every day.
(Just remember we charge for copy of each passport - please do not expect that you can have as many copies of the passport as you like for the same price.)
To obtain a quote on our notary public services for India, please visit https://www.notary-parramatta.com.au/notary-fees/.
Acknowledgements
This blog is supported and maintained by Phang Legal. Phang Legal is a leading provider of notary public services in Sydney. With offices conveniently located in Parramatta, Phang Legal supports and services the Indian community across Sydney with readily available and easily accessible notary public services at highly competitive rates.
For more information regarding notary public services for documents going to India, view our notary publications at https://www.notary-parramatta.com.au/jurisdiction/india-notary/.
Frequently asked questions regarding our notary public services can also be found at https://www.notary-parramatta.com.au/faqs/.
Ern Phang
Notary Public
Ern Phang is the solicitor director of Phang Legal and a notary public. Ern regularly writes about his experiences as a notary public, including the kinds of problems and solutions that his clients face when sending documents to India.
IMPORTANT: the information in this article is correct at the time of publication, however the law constantly changes. This means you should always refer to the most recent articles because we try to update this blog on a regular basis with the most current information.
