How Do I Authenticate a Document in Canada

Posted by: Michael Atkinson
Category: Document Authentication and Legalization

Whether it’s divorce documentation, birth certificates or criminal records, the majority of Canadian documents that are intent upon being used in a foreign country must first be stamped by the Authentication section of Global Affairs Canada. The authentication section of Global Affairs Canada is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Canadian document authentication process if quite straightforward and it can be done by couriering or mailing documents directly to their office.

One has to be mindful, however that the documents that are being sent to Global Affairs Canada meet the authentication criteria. For a number of reasons, it is recommended that one consider hiring a third party company, such as Capital Authentication, to assist with the processing of their Canadian documents.

What Is Document Authentication?

Authentication is the process that is used to confirm the genuineness of a signature and seal on a Canadian document. This process is the Canadian equivalent of an Apostille. As Canada was not a signatory to the Hague Convention as it relates to the Apostille Treaty in 1961, this is the process that is used. The term Authentication is also referred to as Apostille or Attestation.

What are some of the requirements in order to authenticate a document in Canada?

In order to be able to have a Canadian document authenticated, it must either be an original document containing an original signature and seal, if applicable. In some cases, one must use a certified true copy, or notarized version, of a document that has been stamped by a notary in Ottawa.

If you are unsure about how to authenticate a document in Canada, one is encouraged to visit the Global Affairs Canada website. The website is informative and can answer a majority of the questions that you might have as it relates to document authentication. Using an experienced authentication and legalization service, such as Capital Authentication, can help save you time and money.

How can I find more information on how to Authenticate a Document in Canada?

Reach out to our office in the format of your choosing either by telephone at 613-236-9975 or e-mail at: info@capitalauthentication.com. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your unique requirements. Our services are tailored to the specific needs of our individual clients which typically means that you are not faced with paying high fees.

Our office employs a process that is very unique in the Canadian authentication and legalization space. We refer to it as The Completion Time Method. Reach out to us today and let us show you the services that we provide and let us answer your questions on how to authenticate a document in Canada.