Requirements for Certified Documents

  1. To ensure the safety of documents certified photocopies rather than the originals should be provided. Originals received will not be returned to the sender.
  2. Officers verifying documents should write “This is a true copy of the original sighted by me” and sign the document, print their name, profession/occupation/organisation, contact details and date verified. Justices of the Peace should also provide their registration number.
  3. Ensure the signature is not photocopied, is original and states clearly the name and position of the signee as well as the date certified.
  4. All certified documents must be accompanied by a certified translation when the certificate(s) is not in English
  5. The RACDS accepts documents certified by any of the following:

For Australian and NZ Residents:

  • A Fellow of the College

  • Justice of the Peace / Commissioner for Affidavits / Commissioner for Declarations

  • Administrative staff of the institution which originally issued the documents

  • Head of a Department of a Dental Hospital or Dental Facility

  • RACDS CEO

  • Judge of a Court / Master of a Court/ Magistrate

  • CEO of a Commonwealth Court

  • Registrar or Deputy Registrar of a Court / Clerk of a Court

  • Sheriff of the Court

  • Member of the Australian Defence Force – rank of Warrant Officer or higher

  • Police Officer – rank of Sergeant or higher

For Overseas Residents:
  • A Fellow of the College
  • Justice of the Peace
  • Staff of an Australian Overseas Diplomatic Mission
  • Administrative staff of the institution which originally issued the documents
  • Registrar / Senior Staff of an overseas Australian Education Institution (i.e. Australian Education International or authorised Australian organisation)

Candidates and/or their immediate family members cannot certify their own documents.