Apostille & International Document Authentication
Moving abroad, studying overseas, or planning a destination wedding? If you’re taking important life steps in another country, you’ll likely need apostille or international document authentication to make your Canadian paperwork valid where you’re headed. The good news? We’ll help you take the first step — by connecting you with a local notary who can notarize your documents before they’re sent for official authentication.
What is an Apostille?
As of January 11, 2024, Canada officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which means Canadian documents can now be authenticated for use in over 120 member countries through a process called apostille — a streamlined alternative to what used to be a more complicated “authentication and legalization” process.
Think of an apostille as a globally accepted stamp of approval on your documents.
When Do You Need Apostille or Authentication?
You might need this service if you’re using Canadian documents outside the country for any of the following:
- Getting married abroad
- Adopting a child internationally
- Studying or applying for a visa
- Starting a job in another country
- Buying or selling international property
- Opening a foreign bank account
- Managing cross-border legal matters
- Transferring guardianship or power of attorney internationally
Basically, if another country asks for an official Canadian document — birth certificates, criminal record checks, marriage certificates, school diplomas, etc. — they’ll likely want it authenticated first.
The Process: How to Get Your Canadian Documents Apostilled
Here’s how to get started:
1. Notarise Your Documents
The first step is to have your documents signed and sealed by a licensed notary public. Use our Find a Notary tool to connect with a local, verified professional in your area.
2. Submit for Apostille
Depending on your document type and province, you’ll send them to one of the following:
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for federal documents or those issued outside Ontario
- Official Documents Services (ODS) in Ontario for provincially issued or notarised documents
They’ll review and issue the apostille certificate, which confirms your document’s authenticity.
In-Person & Hassle Free
We’ve made it easy to get your documents notarised with a local notary — no complicated tech, no video calls, no second-guessing. Here’s how it works:
Download the forms
Head to our site and download the Last Will and Power of Attorney templates or bring your own if you’ve already prepared them.
Book an appointment
Use our directory to find a trusted public notary near you. Pick a convenient date and time that works best for your schedule.
Print Your Documents
Make sure all pages are printed clearly and completely — double-sided printing is fine if everything’s visible.
Bring Your Checklist
Details matter but don’t stress — we’ve laid out everything you’ll need to bring with you in a simple checklist below.
Appointment Checklist
To keep things simple, here’s what you’ll need for your notary appointment and apostille process:
- Your original document (or a certified copy, depending on the case)
- Two pieces of ID, including one with a photo
- Any supporting documents related to the use of the document abroad
- Printed cover letter stating:
- The country you’re sending the document to
- Why it’s needed (e.g., “marriage visa,” “international adoption”)
- Prepaid return envelope (if sending documents by mail)
- Government processing fee, if applicable
Tip: Always double-check the receiving country’s requirements — some still prefer the older “authentication and legalization” steps if they’re not part of the Apostille Convention.
Why Work With a Local Notary?
Meeting in person with a notary near you makes things smoother and ensures nothing gets missed. With us, you get:
- Verified, trusted professionals in your local area
- No long waits or confusing virtual setups
- Clear, step-by-step support
- A legal paper trail that holds up internationally