Overseas Couples Wishing to Marry in Australia and then return Home!

Apostille Stamps.

Some couples from overseas countries who may marry in Australia require an Authentication or an Apostille Stamp to be placed on the registered copy of their Marriage Certificate issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in order for their marriage to be recognised in their home country. To determine whether you require such an Authentication or Apostille Stamp follow the link to http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/authen.html

How to obtain an Apostille Stamp:

1. After the Marriage Ceremony the Celebrant registers the marriage with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
2. You then need to obtain a copy of your official marriage certificate from the Registry by making an application and paying the appropriate fee.
3. The official marriage certificate must then be sent or taken to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in the capital city of the State or Territory in which you were married or to the main office in Canberra in the ACT with a request to have an Apostille Stamp affixed to the Marriage Certificate. The fee is currently A$60.00
4. The DFAT will post the Marriage Certificate suitably stamped back to you in your home country unless you request that it be returned to an address in Australia.

Further details can be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In Perth, Western Australia the number to call is (08) 9231 4499