If you need to have a Canadian power of attorney document officially accepted in a foreign country, you’ll often need to have it authenticated and legalized, which is the Canadian equivalent of the apostille process. International Documents Canada has helped thousands get their power of attorney authenticated and legalized (apostilled). In this article, we quickly review how the process works.
Preparing Your Power of Attorney For Authentication
Before delivering your power of attorney to Global Affairs Canada, you’ll need to first have it notarized by a Canadian lawyer or notary public. Often, the lawyer who drafted your power of attorney will also be able to notarize it. If not, we can help you find a notary public close to where you live. You will need to sign your power of attorney document in front of the notary public or lawyer. They will add their stamp and signature, confirming that they have witnessed your signature. Don’t forget to bring valid ID when getting your power of attorney notarized. There may be additional document preparation requirements, depending on which country you will be presenting your power of attorney in. Contact us – our friendly staff would be happy to review your situation, and advise you on requirements.
Authentication at Global Affairs Canada
Once your power of attorney has been prepared for processing, it must be submitted to Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa to be authenticated. They will examine the notary’s signature and stamp to ensure everything is in order. If your document meets their requirements, they will place a stamp directly on your document, confirming that it has been authenticated.
Legalization of Your International Power of Attorney
After your international power of attorney has been authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, it will then be sent to the consulate or embassy of the country where it will be presented. This step is known as document legalization. Each embassy and consulate sets its own unique rules and regulations for document legalization, so the process can be rather confusing. That’s why many choose to work with International Documents Canada. We closely follow the changing requirements and timelines of over 200 different embassies and consulates, and because we process many thousands of documents for our clients every year, we’ll ensure you avoid the common mistakes and pitfalls that can dramatically increase the time and cost of processing.
Contact us today for power of attorney apostille and more in Canada!
To learn more about the process to get an apostille on a power of attorney in Canada, contact us online today or call 1 (888) 433-1011.
