The Hague Apostille Convention
What is the Hague Apostille Convention, and how does it apply to Canada? We have the answers to all of your questions. Read on to learn what an apostille is, how the process works, and what it means now that Canada issues apostilles. Still have questions? Contact our friendly staff—we would be happy to help.
What is the Hague Apostille Convention?
The Hague Apostille Convention is an international treaty drafted by the Hague Conference on Private International Law which came into effect in 1965. It governs the process through which a document issued in one country is legally certified for use in other countries. This treaty specifies that any signatory country can issue a certification called an “apostille”. Each signatory country will accept a document that has been apostilled in one of the other countries that has also signed the Hague Apostille Convention.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a type of certification that is applied to a document by the apostille authority in the country where the document originated. The apostille authority will apply an apostille certificate to the document verifying that the signature on the document is authentic.
Does Canada issue apostilles?
Yes, Canada issues apostilles. 127 countries (and counting) have signed the Hague Apostille Convention. For a list of countries who are signatories to the Hague Apostille convention, visit the official Hague Apostille Convention website. For more information about our document apostille services, take a look at our services for Document Apostille.
Where to Get an Apostille in Canada
Each province in Canada designates its own competent authority for issuing apostilles.
- Ontario: Official Documents Services (ODS)
- British Columbia: Ministry of Attorney General
- Alberta: Official Documents and Appointments
- Quebec: Ministry of Justice
- Saskatchewan: Ministry of Justice and Attorney General
- Remaining provinces and federal: Global Affairs Canada (JLAC)
Make sure your document is issued and/or notarized in the same province or jurisdiction where you are requesting the apostille.
Global Recognition – Canadian Document Services
From apostilles to attestations, our specialized services ensure global recognition for your documents. We are your trusted partner in Canadian document apostille, handling everything from authentication to legalization, translation, and notarization. Whatever term you have heard – legalization, ratification, and more – we bring clarity and expertise to each step, so your documents make the impact they deserve anywhere in the world.
We are here to help you. Contact us for your free consultation – we will explain your options and answer your questions.
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Our prices for document services, such as apostille, authentication, legalization, and more, can vary depending on many factors. These factors may include the origins of your documents, the destination country where they will be used, or the desired speed of service. For a list of our service fees, visit our Pricing page.
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