Where to Authenticate a Canadian Document
As Canada’s leading provider of authentication and legalization services, we have put together this quick article that focuses on one of the questions we are asked most frequently, namely “Where can I authenticate a Canadian document”?
The Canadian authentication and legalization process is used to certify the authenticity of Canadian documents, so that these documents will be officially recognized in a foreign country that is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your documents are destined for an apostille member country, please take a look at the following article: Your Go-To Checklist To Ensure Your Canadian Documents Are Apostille-Ready
What is the authentication and legalization process?
The authentication and legalization process involves first “authenticating” your documents at an appropriate government agency, and then “legalizing” these documents at the appropriate embassy or consulate.
Where Can You Authenticate a Canadian Document?
In Canada, the Federal government agency that authenticates documents for use overseas is the Authentication Services section of Global Affairs Canada. The Authentication Services section is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They accept documents from Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories and Yukon. They offer document authentication as a free service. Documents can be submitted by mail or through a third-party service like International Documents Canada.
Are There Any Other Places in Canada that Can Authenticate a Document?
Although Global Affairs Canada is the Federal authentication organization, documents can also be authenticated by Provincial agencies in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Each of these provincial offices authenticates documents originating from their province. Depending on the office in question, documents can be submitted in person, by mail, or through a third-party service like ours.
Can I Authenticate a Document On My Own?
Yes, you can authenticate your documents on your own. However, there can be important advantages to working with a third-party service. Most importantly, our experts will work directly with you to ensure your documents are prepared and submitted correctly the first time, avoiding the common mistakes that derail document authentication and legalization. In addition, an expert service like International Documents Canada will analyze your situation, and identify the quickest and most effective route for your documents through the authentication and legalization process, potentially saving you weeks of time.
How Do I know Where to Authenticate a Document?
The Canadian authentication offices function on a jurisdictional basis dependent upon the origins of the documents. Our expert staff would welcome the chance to discuss your particular situation, and identify your options.
We also assist with the legalization process, which is done by the embassy or consulate of the country in which you will be using your processed documents. Our team is familiar with the constantly changing embassy requirements, as we actively monitor and track all diplomatic missions in Canada. Our website also has additional information on embassy legalization.
Contact us for authentication and embassy legalization services!
If you want an expert team that knows all of the ins and outs of the Canadian authentication and legalization process, our team would love to hear from you. For more information about getting your document authenticated and legalized in Canada, contact us online today or call 1 (888) 433-1011.