For most New Zealand uses, a Justice of the Peace can certify a passport copy, if the organisation accepts a JP. But for overseas use with an apostille or authentication, a JP copy is refused. The copy has to be certified by a Notary Public first, in the right way. We book the notary for you, tell you exactly what to bring, handle the apostille or authentication and deliver it. You keep your passport. One all-in quote, including the notary.
How it works with us
One contact, start to finish. You only go to one appointment.
- Tell us the countryWe confirm what the recipient needs.
- We book the notaryAnd tell you exactly what to bring.
- We lodge the apostilleOr authentication, checked first.
- Translation, if requiredWe arrange it at the right step.
- Tracked deliveryTo you in NZ or straight overseas.
What it costs
Because the notary is part of it, we send one all-in quote covering the notary, the apostille or authentication, government fees and delivery, before anything is booked. No separate bills, no surprises. See pricing.
New Zealand use or overseas use?
| Where the copy is going | What it usually needs |
|---|---|
| A NZ bank, employer, school or agency | A JP or another certifier they accept |
| An overseas office that doesn't want an apostille | Whoever that office accepts, often a Notary Public |
| Overseas, with an apostille or authentication | A Notary Public first, then the apostille. We arrange both |
Why a JP copy gets refused
An apostille confirms the signature and seal of the person who certified the copy, and a JP's certification isn't one that can be apostilled. So a JP copy that's fine for a New Zealand bank is refused the moment it needs to go overseas with an apostille. Many people find this out after they've paid a courier and waited weeks. We get it right first time.
Which pages, and how recent?
Some offices want only the photo page; others want the signature page or visa pages too. Many want a copy certified recently, and some require a minimum validity left on the passport. We check the recipient's instructions so the notary certifies exactly what's needed.
Live overseas?
A New Zealand Notary Public has to see your passport in person, so this is harder if you're not in New Zealand. Tell us your situation and we'll set out the options that work for you.
Mistakes that cost time
- Getting a JP copy for an apostille
- Sending your original passport away when it wasn't necessary
- Copying the wrong pages for the recipient
- Using a copy the recipient says is too old
- Applying for an apostille when the country needs authentication
Apostille or authentication? It depends on the country
| Route | Common destinations |
|---|---|
| Apostille | United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Croatia, Serbia, Philippines, India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, South Africa |
| Authentication | United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Taiwan, Nigeria |
| Authentication + embassy | Iraq, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and others |
We confirm the route for your exact country before anything is lodged. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Frequently asked questions
Can a JP certify a copy of my passport in NZ?
Yes, for most New Zealand purposes where the organisation accepts a JP. A JP copy is not accepted for an apostille or authentication for overseas use.
How do I get my passport copy apostilled in NZ?
It has to be certified by a Notary Public first, then apostilled. We book the notary, handle the apostille and deliver it, with one all-in quote.
How much does it cost to apostille a passport copy?
Because a notary is involved, we send one all-in quote covering the notary, apostille, government fees and delivery before anything is booked.
Can you apostille the passport itself?
No. A certified copy is apostilled, not the passport. We arrange the right certified copy for you.
Do I need to send my original passport?
Usually not. With our notary route you keep your passport and only attend one appointment.
I live overseas. Can you still help?
A NZ Notary Public has to see your passport in person, so it depends on your situation. Tell us where you are and we will set out the options.
NZ Document Assist Limited is an independent company, not a government agency. We are not a law firm, Notary Public or licensed immigration adviser and do not give legal or immigration advice.