Notaries are appointed by the Supreme Court pursuant to the Public Notaries Act 1997 (NSW) and the Public Notaries Appointment Rules 1998. Applicants must be lawyers of at least 5 years standing who complete the prescribed Notarial Practice Course and apply through the Legal Profession Admission Board (the Board). Upon appointment, the name of the Notary is entered on the Roll of Public Notaries maintained by the Board.

The functions or tasks of Notaries tend to be:

• Authenticating official, Government and personal documents and information for use overseas;

• Witnessing signatures of individuals to documents and authenticating identity;

• Witnessing Powers of Attorney for use overseas, including from time to time, preparing them;

• Certifying true copies of documents for use overseas;

• For corporations and businesses, witnessing documents and authenticating status and transactions; and

• Dealing with documentation for land, property and deceased estates overseas.