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Apostille and Legalisation for Marriage Certificates

Using your Northern Territory marriage certificate overseas? Here is the plain-English version of what apostille and legalisation usually involve.

If you need to use your marriage certificate in another country, you may be asked for an apostille or legalisation. That process proves that the Australian document is genuine for overseas use.

First, get the official certificate

You need the official Northern Territory marriage certificate, not the ceremonial certificate you receive on the day of the marriage.

Start here:

What is the difference?

Apostille

An apostille is used for countries that accept the Hague Apostille process.

Legalisation

Legalisation is used when the destination country wants the DFAT step plus extra embassy or consulate steps.

Usual process

  1. Order the official NT marriage certificate.
  2. Check exactly what the destination country wants.
  3. Arrange the DFAT apostille or authentication step.
  4. If required, complete the embassy or consulate step.

Helpful tip

Different countries ask for different things. Check the destination country’s current requirements before you pay for anything.

Ready to get married first?

Start with the booking form, then prepare your NOIM.