Fast, Easy Document Authentication & Legalization at a Great Price!
- Fast authentication service → 1-3 days
- Easy to follow process with up to date step-by-step document tracking
- Great prices starting at just $90
Free Expert Document Review
What is Document Authentication & Legalization?
To legitimately use a Canadian document outside of Canada, it must first be fully authenticated and legalized. The process is divided into 2 steps:
- Authentication: The validity of the document’s signature and stamp or seal are fully certified by Global Affairs Canada.
- Legalization: Once a document is authenticated, it’s then legalized by the embassy or consulate of the destination country, so that it can be recognized as a legal document in that country.
Read the most common questions we get about Authentication & Legalization
Fast Apostille Service
Avoid waiting up to 3 weeks at Global Affairs Canada. Authenticate your document in 1 to 3 days with our Express Authentication Service.
Fast Apostille Service
Great Price
Great Price
With other services, you rarely end up paying the advertised price for certifying your documents.
What you don’t see are the sneaky fees that increase costs. Not with D.A.C, other than tax, what you see is what you pay.
Easy to Follow Process
Easy to Follow Process
Our simple 4-step process helps you authenticate and legalize your Canadian documents in a fast & easy manner.
Start by calling us at 1-855-700-5840 or requesting a quote online. We’ll get back to you within a few hours.
Not sure if your documents meet the requirements for authentication and legalisation? 👇
Reach out to our experts and receive a Free Document Evaluation.
Once you receive a quote and select a time frame that works best for you. We'll provide you with a final price and help you prepare your documents. When your ready ship your documents to our office in Ottawa: 1103-467 Laurier West, Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1R 5C7.
We recommend that you use a secure, prepaid and tracked courier service for sending your documents.
Have any questions? Feel free to call us at 1-855-700-5840
After receiving your documents we will take care of the rest. We will make sure your documents get authenticated and legalized within your requested time frame.
Want to stay updated throughout the whole process?
Check out Document Authentication Canada's Document Tracking System.
…and that’s it! After completing the document authentication and legalization process, we will send your documents using the shipping method of your choice.
Remember: With Document Authentication Canada you only pay at the end, once your documents have been completely authenticated and legalized.
Common Questions about Authentication and Legalization
1. What is ‘Authentication and Legalization’?
Authentication and legalization is a three-step verification process often required before you can use a Canadian public document abroad.
The first step is document preparation, where the document is notarized or translated.
The second step is authentication. This confirms that the signature or seal on your documents is genuine, valid and recognized in Canada. To authenticate a document, Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa verifies the signatures on the document and issues a certificate of authentication. Authentication validates Canadian documents for use in a foreign country for different purposes.
Finally, legalization confirms the validity of the document abroad. Once a document is authenticated, it is legalized by an accredited consulate or embassy of the foreign country in which the document will be used.
In countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents this process is often replaced by what is known as an ‘Apostille’.
At Document Authentication Canada we streamline this process, offering fast, accurate and secure authentication and legalization services of your Canadian documents. Get in touch with our team to help you get started!
2. How do I find out if I need to Authenticate and Legalize a Document?
Most personal and commercial Canadian documents intended for use in foreign countries have to be legalized before they can be accepted by other jurisdictions. Authentication and legalization confirms that the document was issued with authority and that the signature is genuine:
Global Affairs Canada authenticates the document
The Consulate or Embassy of the foreign country where the document will be used legalizes the document.
Do you need help determining if your Canadian document needs to be authenticated and legalized? Call our team of experienced professionals on 1-855-700-5840 for a free consultation.
3. What type of documents can be authenticated and legalized?
Documents that require authentication and legalization fall into two categories: personal and commercial documents.
At Document Authentication Canada we offer fast, accurate, and safe document authentication and legalization services for a wide range of document types, including but not limited to:
| Personal Documents | Commercial Documents |
| Affidavit | Primary Secondary Diploma/Report Card |
| Birth Certificate | Teacher Certificate |
| Change of Name | University College Degree/Transcript |
| Death Certificate | Certificate of Origin |
| Divorce Certificate | Export |
| Marriage Certificate | Incorporation |
| Police Check | Regulatory Affairs |
| Power of Attorney |
Please contact our customer-first team to learn more about other eligible documents not listed above.
4. What is the difference between apostille, attestation, document authentication and legalization?
These terms are used to refer to processes where documents issued in one country are validated for use in another. While these options may seem similar, they are not interchangeable: making the wrong choice can mean your document is rejected by the foreign country you want to submit it in.
An apostille is a certificate issued and recognized in countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention. It’s a simpler process compared to a legalization as it only requires a single Apostille stamp. However, not all states are party to this Convention: Canada isn’t.
This means that it is not possible to obtain a Canadian apostille. You can view a full list of countries that issue and recognize apostilles.
Document authentication is a process which determines if the signature, stamp or seal on a document is authentic. In other words, authentication validates the document’s authority. The process starts with a party signing the document and then having it acknowledged by a notary. The document is certified after the notarization is examined by Global Affairs Canada.
Once a document is fully authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, it must then be legalized by the country in which it will be used. This process is known as legalization and is done by the country’s embassy or consulate.
Countries in the Middle East and South Asia refer to legalization as attestation. Just like legalizations, an attestation is a step in the process of authenticating a document so that another country accepts it as genuine.
So, while an apostille only requires a certificate issued by the state in which the document was created, legalizations and attestations involve a longer process where authentication in the document’s country of origin and a legalization or attestation by the country where it will be used are needed.
Also, an apostille is recognized in all countries party to the Hague Convention. A legalization is only recognized in the country that issued it.
Apostilles and legalizations take time and effort and require in-person visits to consulates, embassies and government offices. This is where Document Authentication Canada can help. Our expert staff will see that your documents are properly authenticated and legalized, ready for use abroad. Call us today on 1-855-700-5840
5. I’m currently out of Canada. Do I need to travel to Canada to get my documents authenticated?
No, there is no need to travel to Canada to get your Canadian documents authenticated. Once we review your request and confirm that your documents meet all specified criteria, you can send them to our expert team at Document Authentication Canada at 1103-467 Laurier West, Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 5C7.
Acting on your behalf, one of our expert agents visits Global Affairs Canada for the authentication and the embassy or consulate for the legalization. We then follow up in person to ensure timely and accurate processing of your documents, saving you time and money on expensive trips to Ottawa.
Since you’re sending documents of high importance, we strongly recommend that you send all documents to our office usinga secure, prepaid and tracked courier service such as Canada Post Xpress, DHL or FedEx.
If you have questions about your documents or the process, feel free to contact our staff at 1-855-700-5840
1. How long does it take to authenticate and legalize a document? Is there a rush authentication service available?
Document Authentication Canada offers quick turnaround times. We have a longstanding relationship with Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Global Affairs Canada – ensuring that your documents are processed efficiently and securely.
That said, the time it takes to authenticate and legalize a document depends on various factors. For the documents to be ready for processing, they must meet all Global Affairs Canada and embassy requirements.
Inadequate documents will be declined and this means longer processing times. To prevent this, we will thoroughly check your documents before submission.
How long it takes to authenticate and legalize a document also depends on when the documents arrive at our office and the opening hours at Global Affairs Canada and the embassy on that specific day. As an example, Global Affairs Canada is closed on Friday so documents which arrive on that day cannot be processed immediately.
Because of Global Affairs Canada temporary operating rules, same day authentication services are currently not available.
In normal times (non-pandemic) our express service takes 1 to 10 business days. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the processing time for authentication is 2-3 business days. Due to the current global situation, processing times cannot be guaranteed. It may also take extra time to receive and send documents by mail.
2. How do I authenticate and legalize a document in Canada?
Authenticating and legalizing a Canadian document is a three-step process:
- Document Preparation: The document is notarized and translated (if it’s in a foreign language).
- In a notarization, a Notary Public witnesses the signing of the document and verifies the identity of the persons involved. Click here for more information on which documents require notarization.
- Translation is another step that prepares the document for use in another country – only certified translations are accepted for the purpose of authentication and legalization. Read more about this process here
- Authentication: The document is submitted to Global Affairs Canada for authentication.
- Legalization: Following authentication, the document is submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used. The embassy or consulate legalizes the document: this means that the document can now be used in that foreign country.
Notarization, translation, authentication and legalization is a lengthy process that can also be expensive. At Document Authentication Canada we take over the entire process for you, saving you time, money and the hassle of traveling to multiple appointments for each stage of the process. Contact us on 1-855-700-5840 for a free consultation.
3. Will I need to get my documents translated by a certified translator before authentication and legalization?
In most cases, yes. You will need a certified translation done by a sworn translator. The translator’s seal and signature confirm the validity of the certified translation.
Each province in Canada has its own separate entity for certifying translators. This page contains information on known and recognized associations across Canada.
At Document Authentication Canada, we can provide you with certified document translations into more than 70 languages, ensuring that your translated document meets international certified translation standards.
Call us on 1-855-700-5840 and we’ll help you prepare your document for use abroad.
4. Will I need to get my documents notarized before authentication and legalization?
Yes, but not all documents require notarization.
This is how to notarize documents in Canada:
- A Notary Public witnesses the signing of the document and verifies the identity of the persons involved.
- The Notary Public then places their signature and stamp on the document.
A notarization is a necessary first step to get your document authenticated and legalized in Canada.
Documents which do not require notarization include:
- Original vital statistics documents such as long-form birth certificates, marriage and death certificates
- Criminal record checks
- Degrees or diplomas issued by accredited educational institutions where the signature and seal of the office of the register is clearly visible and includes full signature, name and title.
At Document Authentication Canada, we are continuously up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements.
Call us on 1-855-700-5840 and we’ll help you determine if your document needs to be notarized.
5. Can I authenticate a photocopy of my documents instead of my original?
No, plain photocopies cannot be authenticated. Only certified true copies can be authenticated, but this does not apply for all documents.
Get in touch with our expert team and we’ll help you determine if your photocopies can be authenticated.
6. What happens if my documents are declined?
Global Affairs Canada rejects documents that do not comply with their requirements. If this happens, you will have to review your documents and submit them again – of course, wasting a lot of time in the process.
Our expert team is here to ensure that this does not happen. We are continuously up to date with the latest compliance requirements and will help you prepare your documents for submission, including through our notary and certified translation services. We take care of the entire process for you so that you can get your legalized documents back securely and without delay.
1. What are the fees for authenticating and legalizing my documents with DAC?
We pride ourselves on being transparent and on having no hidden fees. You can see our service prices here, but we encourage you to fill this form or call us at 1-855-700-5840 to get a personalized quote and a free document review within 1 hour.
The total cost of processing your documents will depend on several factors. As an example, consular fees may change depending on the embassy of the country where the documents need to be presented. Our authentication fees may also differ depending on the urgency of the request. There are also additional costs to consider if your documents require translation, notarization, or if you need a certified true copy.
2. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept any credit or debit card, Paypal, e-transfer, direct bank deposit, certified check, Canadian money order, or international wire transfer. We will only process your payment after the documents have been authenticated and legalized.
3. To which address do I send my documents to?
Please send all documents to 1103-467 Laurier West, Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 5C7. Before sending your documents, please make sure that we have reviewed your request and confirmed that your documents can be processed. If you are unsure, please contact us for a free document evaluation.
4. How can I track the documents after sending them to you?
Considering the level of importance that personal and business documents have, we strongly recommend that you send your documents to our office using a secure, prepaid and tracked courier service, such as Canada Post Xpress, DHL or FedEx.
We´ll notify you as soon as your documents arrive at our office. After that, you’ll be able to track your documents throughout the whole process using our Document Tracking System.
5. How does DAC return my documents?
After completing the authentication and legalization process, we will send the documents back to you using the shipping method of your choice.
We highly recommend that you use a tracked shipping service to make sure that you know where your documents are at all time.
1. What is 'Authentication and Legalization'?
Authentication and legalization is a three-step verification process often required before you can use a Canadian public document abroad.
The first step is document preparation, where the document is notarized or translated.
The second step is authentication. This confirms that the signature or seal on your documents is genuine, valid and recognized in Canada. To authenticate a document, Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa verifies the signatures on the document and issues a certificate of authentication. Authentication validates Canadian documents for use in a foreign country for different purposes.
Finally, legalization confirms the validity of the document abroad. Once a document is authenticated, it is legalized by an accredited consulate or embassy of the foreign country in which the document will be used.
In countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents this process is often replaced by what is known as an ‘Apostille’.
At Document Authentication Canada we streamline this process, offering fast, accurate and secure authentication and legalization services of your Canadian documents. Get in touch with our team to help you get started!
2. How do I find out if I need to Authenticate and Legalize a Document?
Most personal and commercial Canadian documents intended for use in foreign countries have to be legalized before they can be accepted by other jurisdictions. Authentication and legalization confirms that the document was issued with authority and that the signature is genuine:
Global Affairs Canada authenticates the document
The Consulate or Embassy of the foreign country where the document will be used legalizes the document.
Do you need help determining if your Canadian document needs to be authenticated and legalized? Call our team of experienced professionals on 1-855-700-5840 for a free consultation.
3. What type of documents can be authenticated and legalized?
Documents that require authentication and legalization fall into two categories: personal and commercial documents.
At Document Authentication Canada we offer fast, accurate, and safe document authentication and legalization services for a wide range of document types, including but not limited to:
| Personal Documents | Commercial Documents |
| Affidavit | Primary Secondary Diploma/Report Card |
| Birth Certificate | Teacher Certificate |
| Change of Name | University College Degree/Transcript |
| Death Certificate | Certificate of Origin |
| Divorce Certificate | Export |
| Marriage Certificate | Incorporation |
| Police Check | Regulatory Affairs |
| Power of Attorney |
Please contact our customer-first team to learn more about other eligible documents not listed above.
4. What is the difference between apostille, attestation, document authentication and legalization?
These terms are used to refer to processes where documents issued in one country are validated for use in another. While these options may seem similar, they are not interchangeable: making the wrong choice can mean your document is rejected by the foreign country you want to submit it in.
An apostille is a certificate issued and recognized in countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention. It’s a simpler process compared to a legalization as it only requires a single Apostille stamp. However, not all states are party to this Convention: Canada isn’t.
This means that it is not possible to obtain a Canadian apostille. You can view a full list of countries that issue and recognize apostilles.
Document authentication is a process which determines if the signature, stamp or seal on a document is authentic. In other words, authentication validates the document’s authority. The process starts with a party signing the document and then having it acknowledged by a notary. The document is certified after the notarization is examined by Global Affairs Canada.
Once a document is fully authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, it must then be legalized by the country in which it will be used. This process is known as legalization and is done by the country’s embassy or consulate.
Countries in the Middle East and South Asia refer to legalization as attestation. Just like legalizations, an attestation is a step in the process of authenticating a document so that another country accepts it as genuine.
So, while an apostille only requires a certificate issued by the state in which the document was created, legalizations and attestations involve a longer process where authentication in the document’s country of origin and a legalization or attestation by the country where it will be used are needed.
Also, an apostille is recognized in all countries party to the Hague Convention. A legalization is only recognized in the country that issued it.
Apostilles and legalizations take time and effort and require in-person visits to consulates, embassies and government offices. This is where Document Authentication Canada can help. Our expert staff will see that your documents are properly authenticated and legalized, ready for use abroad. Call us today on 1-855-700-5840
5. I'm currently out of Canada. Do I need to travel to Canada to get my documents authenticated?
No, there is no need to travel to Canada to get your Canadian documents authenticated. Once we review your request and confirm that your documents meet all specified criteria, you can send them to our expert team at Document Authentication Canada at 1103-467 Laurier West, Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 5C7.
Acting on your behalf, one of our expert agents visits Global Affairs Canada for the authentication and the embassy or consulate for the legalization. We then follow up in person to ensure timely and accurate processing of your documents, saving you time and money on expensive trips to Ottawa.
Since you’re sending documents of high importance, we strongly recommend that you send all documents to our office usinga secure, prepaid and tracked courier service such as Canada Post Xpress, DHL or FedEx.
If you have questions about your documents or the process, feel free to contact our staff at 1-855-700-5840
1. How long does it take to authenticate and legalize a document? Is there a rush authentication service available?
Document Authentication Canada offers quick turnaround times. We have a longstanding relationship with Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Global Affairs Canada – ensuring that your documents are processed efficiently and securely.
That said, the time it takes to authenticate and legalize a document depends on various factors. For the documents to be ready for processing, they must meet all Global Affairs Canada and embassy requirements.
Inadequate documents will be declined and this means longer processing times. To prevent this, we will thoroughly check your documents before submission.
How long it takes to authenticate and legalize a document also depends on when the documents arrive at our office and the opening hours at Global Affairs Canada and the embassy on that specific day. As an example, Global Affairs Canada is closed on Friday so documents which arrive on that day cannot be processed immediately.
Because of Global Affairs Canada temporary operating rules, same day authentication services are currently not available.
In normal times (non-pandemic) our express service takes 1 to 10 business days. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the processing time for authentication is 2-3 business days. Due to the current global situation, processing times cannot be guaranteed. It may also take extra time to receive and send documents by mail.
2. How do I authenticate and legalize a document in Canada?
Authenticating and legalizing a Canadian document is a three-step process:
- Document Preparation: The document is notarized and translated (if it’s in a foreign language).
- In a notarization, a Notary Public witnesses the signing of the document and verifies the identity of the persons involved. Click here for more information on which documents require notarization.
- Translation is another step that prepares the document for use in another country – only certified translations are accepted for the purpose of authentication and legalization. Read more about this process here
- Authentication: The document is submitted to Global Affairs Canada for authentication.
- Legalization: Following authentication, the document is submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used. The embassy or consulate legalizes the document: this means that the document can now be used in that foreign country.
Notarization, translation, authentication and legalization is a lengthy process that can also be expensive. At Document Authentication Canada we take over the entire process for you, saving you time, money and the hassle of traveling to multiple appointments for each stage of the process. Contact us on 1-855-700-5840 for a free consultation.
3. Will I need to get my documents translated by a certified translator before authentication and legalization?
In most cases, yes. You will need a certified translation done by a sworn translator. The translator’s seal and signature confirm the validity of the certified translation.
Each province in Canada has its own separate entity for certifying translators. This page contains information on known and recognized associations across Canada.
At Document Authentication Canada, we can provide you with certified document translations into more than 70 languages, ensuring that your translated document meets international certified translation standards.
Call us on 1-855-700-5840 and we’ll help you prepare your document for use abroad.
4. Will I need to get my documents notarized before authentication and legalization?
Yes, but not all documents require notarization.
This is how to notarize documents in Canada:
- A Notary Public witnesses the signing of the document and verifies the identity of the persons involved.
- The Notary Public then places their signature and stamp on the document.
A notarization is a necessary first step to get your document authenticated and legalized in Canada.
Documents which do not require notarization include:
- Original vital statistics documents such as long-form birth certificates, marriage and death certificates
- Criminal record checks
- Degrees or diplomas issued by accredited educational institutions where the signature and seal of the office of the register is clearly visible and includes full signature, name and title.
At Document Authentication Canada, we are continuously up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements.
Call us on 1-855-700-5840 and we’ll help you determine if your document needs to be notarized.
5. Can I authenticate a photocopy of my documents instead of my original?
No, plain photocopies cannot be authenticated. Only certified true copies can be authenticated, but this does not apply for all documents.
Get in touch with our expert team and we’ll help you determine if your photocopies can be authenticated.
6. What happens if my documents are declined?
Global Affairs Canada rejects documents that do not comply with their requirements. If this happens, you will have to review your documents and submit them again – of course, wasting a lot of time in the process.
Our expert team is here to ensure that this does not happen. We are continuously up to date with the latest compliance requirements and will help you prepare your documents for submission, including through our notary and certified translation services. We take care of the entire process for you so that you can get your legalized documents back securely and without delay.
1. What are the fees for authenticating and legalizing my documents with DAC?
We pride ourselves on being transparent and on having no hidden fees. You can see our service prices here, but we encourage you to fill this form or call us at 1-855-700-5840 to get a personalized quote and a free document review within 1 hour.
The total cost of processing your documents will depend on several factors. As an example, consular fees may change depending on the embassy of the country where the documents need to be presented. Our authentication fees may also differ depending on the urgency of the request. There are also additional costs to consider if your documents require translation, notarization, or if you need a certified true copy.
2. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept any credit or debit card, Paypal, e-transfer, direct bank deposit, certified check, Canadian money order, or international wire transfer. We will only process your payment after the documents have been authenticated and legalized.
3. To which address do I send my documents to?
Please send all documents to 1103-467 Laurier West, Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 5C7. Before sending your documents, please make sure that we have reviewed your request and confirmed that your documents can be processed. If you are unsure, please contact us for a free document evaluation.
4. How can I track the documents after sending them to you?
Considering the level of importance that personal and business documents have, we strongly recommend that you send your documents to our office using a secure, prepaid and tracked courier service, such as Canada Post Xpress, DHL or FedEx.
We´ll notify you as soon as your documents arrive at our office. After that, you’ll be able to track your documents throughout the whole process using our Document Tracking System.
5. How does DAC return my documents?
After completing the authentication and legalization process, we will send the documents back to you using the shipping method of your choice.
We highly recommend that you use a tracked shipping service to make sure that you know where your documents are at all time.
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