Apostille
Apostille, previously known as authentication or legalization is a three (3) step process.
Step 1: Document language
If your document is not in English, you must arrange your document to be translated by a certified translator into English. Please see the website of The Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC) for certified translators for your language in your area.
Step 2: Notarization by our Notary
- We will notarize your signature on your document
. - Please ensure compliance with the legal requirements of the relevant jurisdiction, as our knowledge is limited to laws of British Columbia. Kindly confirm the specific document requirements with the appropriate government or entity in the destination country.
Step 3: Apostille by the provincial government
- We will deliver your document to Victoria for the provincial government to perform the last step of the apostille process.
Guidelines for Notarizations
Documents Not in English/ Foreign Documents
For documents going out of Canada, you will be asked to sign a Waiver of Legal Advice.
Locate a certified translator proficient in your specific language by visiting https://stibc.org/
For documents going out of Canada, you will be asked to sign a Waiver of Legal Advice.
Regardless of what the laws are outside of British Columbia, we require 2 pieces of valid ID in order for our notaries to notarize your documents.
Please ensure your document is compliant with the legal requirements of your document’s relevant jurisdictions, as our knowledge is limited to Canadian laws. If your document is used outside of Canada, it is your responsibility to know the specific requirements from the appropriate government or entity in the destination country of where your document is used.
What type of identification do I need to bring?
Two (2) Pieces of Valid Identification
One primary ID
One Secondary ID
All pieces of ID must be original and valid (unexpired). We need at least one of the identifications to bear your photograph and signature
A combined BC Driver license and BC Service Card is considered one (1) piece of ID
Documents in English
Please fill out the document(s) before coming to the appointment
Please note you will be asked to sign a waiver of legal advice
Regardless of what the laws are outside of British Columbia, we require 2 pieces of valid ID in order for our notaries to notarize your documents.
How long are Apostille appointments?
Depending on the nature of the documents, notarizations are usually approximately 30 minutes.
As mentioned in step 3, document(s) that require apostille need to be couriered to Victoria, BC, so the estimated timeline is around 2-3 weeks for the document(s) to come back to our office.
Once the document(s) has arrived, we will notify you to come pick up the document(s) and you will complete step 4 on your own.
Do I sign my document?
No! Please do not sign the document as you will need to sign the document in front of our Notary!
Frequently Asked Questions for Apostille
What do bring to the appointment?
Please bring acceptable IDs and the apostille document to the appointment. For a list of acceptable IDs, please click on the link below. If your document has been translated, please bring the document in your native language, the translated document and translator’s certificate. We also take payment at the time of signing.
When can I expect my document to be returned?
We usually send out your document to Victoria on the same day or by the next business day. The provincial government in Victoria generally takes 2-3 weeks to process. We will notify you when the documents have been returned to our office.