Authentication chain for Protest of Instruments (Bills, Cheques, Promissory Notes) bound for Australia
Australia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention — therefore Protest of Instruments (Bills, Cheques, Promissory Notes) must pass through: Notary Public → MFA Thailand → Apostille (for Australia).
Once the MFA issues an Apostille, Australia accepts it directly — no further embassy step required, saving 1-2 weeks and embassy fees.
Our team refreshes Australia requirements quarterly to avoid bounce-back on format changes.
About Protest of Instruments (Bills, Cheques, Promissory Notes)
Notarial protest of dishonoured bills, cheques, and promissory notes under Thai CCC §§960–963 — preserves the holder's right of recourse against drawers and endorsers.
Common reasons clients prepare Protest of Instruments (Bills, Cheques, Promissory Notes) for Australia: Bounced cheque from a foreign drawer — preserving the right of recourse · Bill of exchange that the acceptor refuses to pay · Promissory note in default.
Source documents to bring: Original instrument (cheque/bill), Evidence of bank presentment and dishonour, Instrument holder's passport/ID card.
Total cost and timeline
Notary Public: confirmed in a written quotation from staff — turnaround timeline depends on the document — ask our staff (must be made within 1 business day of dishonour).
MFA Consular Affairs (Chaengwattana): confirmed in a written quotation from staff per stamp (standard) or confirmed in a written quotation from staff (express) — 2-3 business days (1-day express available).
Apostille included with the MFA step — no embassy fees.
Total ~5-7 business days · Express ~2-3 days.
Document checklist
- Original Protest of Instruments (Bills, Cheques, Promissory Notes) (or copy to be certified)
- Signer's Thai ID / passport
- State Apostille as the destination
- Power of attorney (if our runner files on your behalf)
- Certified translation (if the destination requires local language)
FAQ
Will my Protest of Instruments (Bills, Cheques, Promissory Notes) be accepted in Australia?
Yes — after the Apostille, Australia accepts it directly with no extra embassy step.
Total turnaround?
5-7 business days · express in 2-3 days.
Total cost?
Notary MFA confirmed in a written quotation from staff per stamp (standard) or confirmed in a written quotation from staff (express) (includes Apostille).
Does an Apostille expire?
The Apostille itself does not expire, but many receiving authorities want documents dated within 3-6 months — verify with the recipient.