5 Best Notaries Public in Melbourne
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated notaries public in Melbourne, ranked by Google rating across 952 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). A private document such as a power of attorney or company resolution must be notarised by an Australian notary public before the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will add an apostille or authentication. DFAT's fee is $105 per apostille or authentication in 2026, and Melbourne documents can be lodged by appointment at the Australian Passport Office in Melbourne.
Best notaries public in Melbourne
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1
AM Legal Editor's pick
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2
John Pearce Solicitor & Notary Public Melbourne
4.96score -
3
Peter Macmillan & Associates, Solicitors & Notaries
4.92score -
4
ProActive Legal
4.89score -
5
Chua Tan Associates
4.83score -
6
CBG Charles Brett Solicitor
4.76score
Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “notary public melbourne”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among notaries public in Melbourne
Highest weighted score
John Pearce Solicitor & Notary Public Melbourne: 5.0 stars from 381 reviews.
Most reviewed
John Pearce Solicitor & Notary Public Melbourne: 381 Google reviews, rated 5.0.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
John Pearce Solicitor & Notary Public Melbourne: 5.0 stars from 381 reviews.
Where are documents notarised and legalised in Melbourne?
The notarial act itself happens at the notary's office. DFAT then legalises the document, either in person by appointment at the Melbourne Australian Passport Office or by registered post to Australian Passport Office, Authentications Section, GPO Box 2239, Melbourne VIC 3001. Original Victorian government documents, such as birth certificates, can go to DFAT without a notary.
What Victoria-specific rules apply?
Victorian notaries are appointed under the Public Notaries Act 2001 (Vic). An applicant needs five years of practice as a principal and an approved notarial course, obtains a certificate of eligibility from the Victorian Legal Admissions Board, and is then appointed by the Supreme Court constituted by the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court keeps the roll of Victorian public notaries.
How much does a notary public cost in Melbourne?
Fees for notaries public in Melbourne depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.
Melbourne notaries public FAQs
Who appoints notaries public in Melbourne?
The Supreme Court of Victoria, constituted by the Chief Justice, appoints notaries under section 6 of the Public Notaries Act 2001 (Vic), after the Victorian Legal Admissions Board certifies the applicant is eligible.
Do I need a notary or can DFAT apostille my document directly?
It depends on the document. DFAT legalises original Australian public documents, such as certificates from births, deaths and marriages registries, directly; private documents and copies must first be notarised by an Australian notary public.
Can I post documents to DFAT from Melbourne?
Yes. Send the original documents and request form by registered post to the Authentications Section, GPO Box 2239, Melbourne VIC 3001, with a credit card authorisation and a self-addressed registered post envelope.
