What is an Apostille?
As of January 11, 2024, Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Hague Apostille Convention), a multilateral treaty, the main purpose of which is to facilitate the circulation of public documents (e.g., birth certificates, corporate powers of attorney, diplomas etc.) issued by one country to be used in another country.
Joining the Hague Apostille Convention has resulted in the following changes to document authentication services in Ontario:
Documents in languages other than English and French must be:
- Issued within Canada
- Notarized by an Ontario notary public
- Accompanied by a translation
- Translation Option 1:
Issued by a Certified Canadian Translator. A certified translation is certified by a member of a recognized provincial translation association. A list of recognized provincial translation associations can be found at the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council.
- Translation Option 1:
- OR
- Translation Option 2:
Attestation of a translation by an Ontario notary public, who speaks English or French and the language in which the document was written. You must ensure if using an Ontario notary public for translation they add the following statement to their declaration: - They attest to speaking English or French, and the language in which the document was written.
- They certify the accuracy of the translation.
- Translation Option 2:
How the Apostille Process Works in Canada
Submit documents to NotaryZen for Apostille certification.
Have your document notarized by NotaryZen
NotaryZen will submit your documents for Apostille to the appropriate authorities
NotaryZen will manage the certification process to ensure your document are processed in a timely manner
The Authenticating government agency certifies the Apostille, they attach it to the Apostille certification to the document, making it valid in Hague Convention countries without needing further legalization.
Your documents will be returned to you Notarized, Authenticated and legalized for international use.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
If you are travelling to a Hague signatory country, your notarized documents will be issued apostilles ( Government Authentication of Canadian documents for Foreign use) which may not require further legalization at consulates or embassies. Please check with the relevant consulate, embassy, and end destination recipient for their document requirements
Apostille Services (For Hague Convention Countries)
| Service | Standard & Premium Services |
|---|---|
| Standard Notarization (In-Person) | $49.99 -$75 (Notarization only) |
| Remote Online Notarization (RON) | $39.99 |
| Certified True Copy | $50 for 1st document $30 each additional document |
| Additional Notarized Signatures | $75 1st notary $49.99 each additional notarization |
| Apostille Package | $199.99 (1 Notarization Seal + Apostille submission and management + Authentication Agency fee + expedited service - shipping fees not included) |
| Mobile Service | $60 – $150+ |