Document Authentication and Legalization

The best way to determine whether or not your documents need to be authenticated and legalized is to confirm with the recipient abroad. Most commonly, Canadian documents to be used abroad will require authentication and legalization first. The authentication and legalization process, also known as Apostille, is a multi-step process of signature verification. Once your documents have been authenticated and legalized, the recipient abroad will see that they have been through the appropriate steps to ensure they are valid and prepared correctly.

For a free consultation and to determine whether your documents require authentication and legalization, feel free to contact us.

Yes and no. A document with an apostille can be used in almost any other apostille signatory country without additional requirements. Whereas, a document that has gone through the authentication and legalization process is only ready to use in the country for which it was legalized.

Both the apostille and the document authentication and legalization process have the same purpose; to certify a document created in one country so that it can be officially recognized in another country.  Apostille certificates are issued by countries that are signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. 

We are available to answer your questions and to discuss your documents. Contact us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011 or send us an online enquiry.

There are a few different aspects to consider when preparing your documents for authentication and legalization.

1. The recipient abroad should advise you what documents they need, whether they must be originals, and how they want them processed.
2. 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.
3. Each embassy or consulate also has their own specific requirements and rules for 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 for each step of the process. Contact an IDC expert for more information and to answer your questions.

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 involve authentication at Global Affairs Canada and legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.

Our website has a wealth of information on the Canadian authentication and legalization process. Better yet, contact our friendly experts to get answers to your questions.

The processing times for document authentication and legalization can vary depending on the authentication office and the diplomatic mission involved.

Each office in Canada that provides authentication (or apostille) has it’s own procedure and turn-around time.

Each embassy or consulate also has its own processing time, subject to consular availability. Some will also offer rush services for an additional fee.

Authentications can range from 1 business day to 65 business days. If you decide to handle the process yourself by mail, the process may take longer. The mail-in processing times can vary and depend on current volumes.

Following the authentication, typical processing times at most embassies and consulates range from 2-15 business days. Note that some embassies or consulates can take several weeks.

We can help you prepare the documents and ensure they meet the criteria of the process. IDC experts are standing by if you have any questions or concerns you need to discuss. Contact IDC for your free consultation. You can also call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011.

Yes, if you are using the services of IDC to manage the apostille process, you can check the progress of your documents. Within our proprietary system, we have built in a progress tracker that allows you to monitor the progress of your documents through every stage of the process. By logging in to your workform, you will be able to see which steps have been completed and what will be completed next.

In addition to the progress module that allows you to check the status of your document request, you will also be personally notified by our expert staff when your documents arrive at our office, whether we require any additional documents or information, when your documents have been completed, and finally when they have been shipped to the final destination. It is important to us that you know exactly what is happening with your important documents and when to expect them to be safely returned.

Whether you still have questions, or you want to get started with our services, we encourage you to contact our office. Call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or send us an online enquiry.

Yes, you can track your documents that you sent through the mail if you used a service that provides you with a tracking number. Some such services are Canada Post registered mail, Canada Post Xpress Post, Canada Post Priority mail, or any professional courier service (i.e. FedEx, Purolator, UPS, DHL).

It is up to you to choose your preferred method of shipping, both to send your documents to our office and for the shipping of your completed documents to their final destination. We always recommend using a traceable method of shipping.

If you would like to discuss your shipping options or prices for the shipping of your documents, feel free to contact our friendly staff. We will happily discuss your shipping options and how to best suit your needs. Contact us today! Call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or send us an online enquiry.