FAQ’s
Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on public documents such as birth certificates, court orders, or any other document issued by a public authority so that they can be recognized in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Convention Treaty.
Canada is not a member of the Apostille convention and therefore in Canada, the documents should go through the authentication and legalization process.
The authentication of documents in Canada will be required in cases when the Canadian documents are intended to be used abroad for different purposes. This process basically confirms that the Canadian documents are officially recognized in Canada and can be legally used in foreign countries. The authentication of documents is the only first step in this process. There are more steps to accomplish in order for Canadian documents to be legally accepted abroad. Please contact us to get a free quote for authentication of documents at Global Affairs of Canada.
The legalization of documents in Canada is the process that confirms the Canadian documents are legal to be used in foreign countries. In general, this is a second step in the Document Authentication and Document Legalization process in Canada. The legalization of documents is mostly completed by the embassies and consulates of foreign countries accredited in and for Canada. Please contact us for help with the legalization of the document process in Canada.
To find out whether you need to authenticate and legalize your documents, you should ask the recipient abroad. However, if you have Canadian documents that will be used in another country, they will likely need to be authenticated and legalized, also known as apostille or attestation. The reason for the process is to verify the signatures on your documents. By having the documents authenticated and legalized, the recipient abroad can rest assured that your documents have been properly processed.
Attestation is a term used in some countries to describe the process of having a document from one country certified so that it will be officially recognized in another country. The official term for the equivalent Canadian process is called document authentication and legalization. Regardless of the terminology used, the process for a Canadian document will be authentication at Global Affairs Canada and legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
The processing times for authentication and legalization can vary depending on the diplomatic mission involved. Each embassy or consulate has its own processing time, subject to consular availability. Some will also offer rush services for an additional fee.
If you decide to handle the process yourself by mail, the process will take some time. Global Affairs Canada takes a minimum of 15 business days to authenticate documents submitted by mail. Following the authentication, typical processing times at most embassies and consulates range from 2 to 5 business days.
We can expedite the authentication process by attending in person, saving you weeks of waiting. We will also help you prepare the documents and ensure they meet the criteria of the process. Document experts are standing by if you have any questions or concerns you need to discuss. Contact DLC for your free consultation. You can also call us toll-free at 1-833-700-5342.
As a part of our authentication and legalization services, we will take care of every detail, including the payment of the consular fees. When we prepare your detailed quote, we will include the Consular Fees. These fees will be paid by us and will depend on the type of documents, the number of documents, and in some cases the speed of service at the diplomatic mission.
Contact us to discuss your document and find out the cost of consular fees for your documents. Call us toll-free at 1-833-700-5342 or send us an online inquiry.
Yes, in Canada there are two types of criminal record checks.
The first is a Basic Criminal Record Check, where only your name and date of birth are used to identify you when the RCMP database is searched. No fingerprints are involved in obtaining a basic Criminal Record Check.
The second type is called a Certified Criminal Record Check, which also uses your fingerprints as an identifier when searching the RCMP database. Certified Criminal Record Checks are considered more reliable because they use fingerprints as an identifier and this is the type of criminal record check most commonly required.
If you are in Canada, you may obtain your criminal record check by either visiting a local police detachment or an agency that has been accredited by the RCMP. If you are outside of Canada, you must use a fingerprinting agency that has been accredited by the RCMP in order to obtain your criminal record check. They will digitize your ink fingerprints and submit the application on your behalf.
You may have the criminal record check sent directly to our office to save time. We can then notify you that it has arrived and begin the authentication and legalization process.
If you need assistance to determine what agencies you may use, you can review this list provided by the RCMP, or feel free to contact our friendly specialists for advice.
The pricing for authenticating and legalizing a criminal record check will vary depending on several factors. These variables include whether or not you require notarization, the services and speed of service you choose, and the processing times with the diplomatic mission. You may have the criminal record check sent directly to our office to save time. We can then notify you that it has arrived and begin the authentication and legalization process.
If you need assistance to determine what agencies you may use, you can review this list provided by the RCMP, or feel free to contact our friendly specialists for advice.
Yes! There are three types of Single Status Documents that can be issued in Canada and used to support your single status. These three types of Single Status Documents are:
If you have been asked for a Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-impediment to Marriage Abroad, it can be requested from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa. It is based on your Single Status Declaration and citizenship.
We can help you to obtain the appropriate document and assist with the preparation of your Single Status Document. Contact us today!
We process all types of Canadian documents. We can handle the authentication and legalization process on your behalf. Examples of the most commonly processed documents are:
Adoption documents
Birth Certificate
Change of Name Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Death Certificate
University Degree
College Diploma
High School Diploma
Single Status Declaration
Marriage Search Certificate
Power of Attorney
Commercial Invoice
Certificate of Origin
Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product
Good Manufacturing Practices Certificate
Medical Device Licence
Criminal Record Check Certificate from Ottawa RCMP
Criminal Record Check Certificate from local police
We are here to help you in authenticating and legalizing your document for use in a foreign country. Call our Toll-Free number 1-833-700-5342 for free quote.
No. You do not have to be physically present in Canada to authenticate and legalize your documents. All your need to do is to ship with a courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS) your documents to our office in Ottawa and we will take care of everything upon receiving your documents.
Yes, one of our agents will appear in person both at Global Affairs Canada for the authentication as well as at the Embassy for document legalization. We take care to follow through with your document in-person to ensure that all requirements are met and that the processing of the documents is completed in a timely and accurate manner.
There are a few different aspects to consider when preparing your documents for authentication and legalization.
The recipient abroad should advise you what documents they need, whether they must be originals, and how they want them processed.
You must meet the criteria of the authentication process. Whether you will authenticate with Global Affairs Canada or the appropriate provincial office, they each have specific criteria for authentication.
Each embassy or consulate also has its own specific requirements and rules for the submission of documents for legalization. You must ensure you also meet their criteria for legalization.
We will happily discuss and review your documents for authentication and legalization. We will make sure your documents have been correctly prepared. Contact our expert and friendly staff for more information and to answer your questions.
That is up to you! You can choose your preferred method of final shipping. We recommend using a traceable method of shipping, such as FedEx, DHL, or Canada Post Xpress Post. We will ship how you like, anywhere you like. You can even provide your final shipping envelope so we don’t have to include it in the quote.
If you need to present your Canadian birth certificate outside of Canada, you may need to have your certificate authenticated and legalized. Confirm requirements by contacting the embassy, high commission, or consulate of the country where your document will be used:
Canadian birth certificate must be obtained from the vital statistics office of the province in which the event occurred. They cannot be obtained through the Canadian Embassy. Requests should be sent directly to the appropriate provincial vital statistic office. The fee for issuing a birth certificate will vary from province to province.
You cannot obtain a Canadian birth certificate for a Canadian child born outside of Canada. You must apply instead for a Canadian citizenship certificate
In most cases, the answer is no. Global Affairs Canada no longer accepts notarized copies of birth certificates for authentication. If you need to use your birth certificate outside of Canada, it will need to be authenticated and legalized. To meet the criteria of the authentication process at Global Affairs Canada, you must submit an original long-form birth certificate.
A Short Form Birth Certificate contains less information than a Long Form Birth Certificate and is smaller in size. It will contain basic information regarding the child’s birth but does not show the names of the child’s parents.
A Long Form Birth Certificate contains more information than a Short Form Birth Certificate and is larger in size. It will contain the name of the child and the names of both parents. If only one parent was declared, then it will show the child’s name & the mother’s name.
Although a Short Form Birth Certificate is a valid legal document, most government agencies prefer the Long Form Birth Certificate as identification as it contains more information concerning your identity, especially in the case of children/minors.
Our customers choose to have their birth certificate delivered directly to our office in Ottawa, saving time. When having it sent directly to us, we will confirm when it arrives and can begin the process of authentication and legalization as it arrives. To do this, have the birth certificate delivered to our address as follows:
Your Name
Our mailing address in Ottawa;
Document Legalization of Canada
2420 Bank Street, Unit 63
Ottawa, ON
K1V 8S1
Document Type
Document Type
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