Notarial Fees
- All fees may be subject to change without notice and are non-refundable.
- All U.S. consular fees worldwide are established in U.S. dollars (USD). For some common consular services, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra provides an official exchange rate to calculate the Australian dollar (AUD) equivalent.
- The Consulates General do not, under any circumstances, accept cash sent through the mail.
Exemptions for notarial fees
These fees will not be charged when the service is performed:
- at the direct request of any U.S. federal, state or local government agency or any of the territories or possessions of the U.S.; or
- with respect to documents to be presented by claimants, beneficiaries, or their witness in connection with obtaining federal, state, or municipal benefits; or
- for American citizens outside the United States preparing ballots for any public election in the U.S. or any of its territories.
Special Notice
All U.S. consular fees worldwide are established in U.S. dollars (USD). For common consular services, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra provides an official exchange rate to calculate an Australian dollar (AUD) equivalent.
As a result of the recent fluctuation in the Australian dollar, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra has recently required several adjustments to the official exchange rate to the Australian dollar. Future adjustments to the official exchange rate are anticipated, but, unfortunately, cannot be determined in advance.
Payments made or received in Australian dollars are subject to the current official exchange rate. We do not accept payments for the incorrect amount. Incorrect payments will be returned and new payments will be requested. Note, the new payment requested is also subject to the current official exchange rate, which could possibly change after we request a new payment amount. Payments which exceed the fee for service cannot be accepted.
Payments received in U.S. dollars are not affected. Therefore, we encourage all payments received to be made in U.S. dollars. This may avoid delays in the processing of requested services.
Acceptable forms of payments are bank checks and/or money orders (personal and company checks are not accepted). Please be advised that the larger Australia Post outlets offer Western Union Money Orders in U.S. dollars. Or, you may contact a local banking institution to inquire if they are able to issue a bank check in U.S. dollars.
The Consulates General do not, under any circumstances, accept cash sent through the mail.
Dates of recent changes in the official rate of exchange:
- October 2, 2008: Consular exchange rate revised from AUD 1.15 to AUD 1.25
- October 16, 2008: Consular exchange rate revised from AUD 1.25 to AUD 1.35
- November 4, 2008: Consular exchange rate revised from AUD 1.35 to AUD 1.50
Notarial fee schedule
| USD | AUD Effective November 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement or Oath | ||
| First service (seal) | $30.00 | $45.00 |
| Each additional seal provided at the same time in connection with the same transaction |
$20.00 | $30.00 |
| Certification | ||
| First copy | $30.00 | $45.00 |
| Each additional copy provided at the same time | $20.00 | $30.00 |
Accepted forms of payment for notarial services at U.S. Consular Offices in Australia
Cash
Either Australian or U.S. Currency.
- The Consulates General in Sydney and Melbourne accept U.S. currency in the exact amount and in notes only. Change is not available for U.S. currency.
- The Consulate General in Perth does not accept cash payment in U.S. currency
- Cash payments sent via mail will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Postal Money Orders & Bank Checks
Either Australian or U.S. currency, payable to “U.S. Consulate General”. Australia Post offers Postal Money Orders in both Australian and U.S. dollars. Please refer to the Australia Post website for further information regarding money orders. Payments made or received in Australian dollars are subject to the current official exchange rate which is subject to change without notice. In order to avoid unnecessary delays, we recommend that payments be sent in U.S. dollars. Personal or company checks will not be accepted.
Credit Card
- Visa, Master Card, American Express or Diners.
- Credit Card payments must be tendered in person. If you are able to mail in an application for a passport, please send payment either via Bank Check or Postal Money Order. Please do not supply credit card details through the post.
- All credit card transactions are processed in the U.S. in U.S. dollars. The actual amount charged to your credit card will reflect the bank's exchange rate and, possibly, a transaction fee.
EFTPOS
EFTPOS is not available.
Last update: Friday, 7 November 2008 GMT+1000
