KAREN GAGNE NOTARY PUBLIC CAN NOTARIZE ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS THAT REQUIRE AUTHENTICATION/LEGALIZATION/APOSTILLE, BUT DOES NOT OFFER THE SERVICE OF SENDING THE DOCUMENTS OR LOOKING AFTER THE APOSTILLE/AUTHENTICATION PROCESS. THIS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENTS.
Authentication/Apostille Process
Apostille is a certification that the document has been issued by a proper office – apostille certifies the authenticity of a signature and stamp/seal of a foreign official. This allows you to use a foreign official document in another country.
On January 11, 2024, Canada implemented the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization of Foreign Public Documents.
From January 11, 2024, authenticated documents include a standard certificate called an apostille. The apostille eliminates steps required to get documents accepted in countries where the convention is in effect, including the legalization by a consular office of the country of destination.
An apostille confirms the official status of a domestic document that needs to be used abroad – in a country from the list. It confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person who signed the document acted and the identity of the seal or stamp on the document. Apostilles are recognized and issued by over 120 other countries.
Countries that do not recognize the apostille require holders of foreign documents to legalize them.
Documents issued after January 11, 2024, after authentication with the apostille clause by the local authorities, are admitted to legal transactions in their country without the participation of it’s consulate. In order to obtain an apostille (which is the equivalent of the current legalization), you should submit the document to the competent Canadian authorities, depending on where the document was notarized. As of January 11, 2024, competent authorities in some provinces will be responsible for issuing an apostille and Global Affairs Canada will be responsible for issuing apostilles for documents issued by the Government of Canada and for documents issued or notarized in specific provinces and territories.
IMPORTANT:Â Documents issued before this date will require full legalization (including super-legalization) even if they are submitted to the respective consulate after January 11, 2024.
Please find more information on the
On the page of Canadian government you will find information about the Apostille Convention and how it will change authentication services before and after it takes effect in Canada on January 11, 2024.