Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Witnessing Signatures – Other Documents

Witnessing Signatures – Other Documents

Consular staff can witness signatures on many Australian documents, for use in Australia. We do not witness signatures on overseas documents.

Be aware that you may not need DFAT to witness your signature. In many cases, you can find someone else locally to witness it for you (i.e. Swiss Notary). Ask the receiving authority in Australia who else can witness it for you or get legal advice. We cannot provide legal advice or any information on the service you require. You should request confirmation on documents required from the requesting authority. 

 

Documents we can witness include

  • Property transfers - Only for buying or selling property in Australia.
  • Australian statutory declarations - Only for use in Australia. Learn more about statutory declarations (Attorney-General's Department)
  • DFAT forms - This includes the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage application form.
  • Notices of intended marriage. Learn more about Australian marriage forms (Attorney-General's Department)
  • Most federal government forms.
  • Some state government forms and private sector forms. Ask the form's issuing authority if they accept consular officials as authorised witnesses.

 

DFAT Identity Certificate

Consular staff can witness your signature and/or verify your identity and we will complete the DFAT Identity Certificate - Witnessing Signature and Identity Certification  or the DFAT Identity Certificate – Identity Certification Only form. We will not sign any other 'Identifiers Certificates' or 'Verification of Identity Certificates'. Check the requirements with the requesting authority in Australia and ask them if you need a DFAT Identity Certificate before visiting the Australian Consulate. We cannot provide legal advice or any information on documents required.

 

Statutory Declaration without a witness

Did you know, as of 1 January 2024, you can now use myGov to create a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration, using your Digital identity in place of a witness.

 

Is an Appointment required?

Yes, an in-person appointment is required for witnessing signatures and identity verification.

 

How to book an appointment?

All notarial appointments are held in Geneva only (not Bern) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The current waiting time for an appointment is 1-2 weeks - please advise us if your request is urgent.

Appointments can only be made by sending an email to: [email protected] (click this email link to auto-populate the below required information in your email).

Please provide the following in your email:

  1. Title your email subject with: “Last name”, “First Name” – Notarial Appointment
  2. Your full name, contact phone number and email address
  3. The full name of anyone else requiring the same service
  4. Preferred 'day' (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) and ‘time’ (morning/afternoon preference)
  5. Where you will be coming from
  6. Specific details of the notarial service you require – Full instructions from the requesting authority must be provided before an appointment can be scheduled - please attach these details to your appointment request email.
  7. Australian states/territories which require these documents

Important: Please note that some Australian states/territories require a Diplomatic Officer to witness documents, rather than a permanent consular employee so flexibility in scheduling these appointments is therefore required. It is your responsibility to determine who is an acceptable witness. Check requirements with the receiving authority.

 

What to bring to your appointment?

  • Your valid passport.
  • Clear instructions from the receiving authority.
  • Your documents for witnessing (DO NOT sign before the appointment).
  • Other documents to be certified. Check the requirements with the requesting authority.
  • Your credit/debit card for payment – Fees and payment methods.