The document authentication and legalization process is a multi-step process of signature verification. The steps involved will depend on where your documents originated from and in what country they will be used.

If your document is destined for a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your document will require an apostille. However, if the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents will need both authentication and legalization.

However, most of the authentication offices in Canada are now apostille offices and apply apostilles instead of an authentication. You submit your document to the appropriate apostille office and they will apply an apostille certificate directly on to your original document.

During the document legalization portion of the process, the embassy or consulate will add an additional stamp, sticker, or certificate to your document. Each embassy or consulate differs in the format, style, colour and language of legalization. The legalization stamp/sticker/certificate verifies that the signatures on your documents are authentic and valid.

We can handle the process on your behalf and ensure your documents are processed accurately. Contact us for a free no obligation quote. We would be happy to provide you with the information you need and expedite this often long and confusing process.