Authentication
Authentication is a four (4) step process.
Step 1: Document language must be in English
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Please translate your documents into English by a professional Certified translator (STIBC/ if your document is not already in English.
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The Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC)
Step 2: Notarization by our Notary
- We will notarize your document(s).
- Please ensure compliance with the legal requirements of the relevant jurisdiction, as our knowledge is limited to Canadian laws. Kindly confirm the specific document requirements with the appropriate government or entity in the destination country
Step 3: Authentication by the Canadian government
- We will mail your document(s) to Victoria, BC for the Canadian government to authenticate.
Step 4: Bringing the document to and destination country's Embassy / Consulate
- This step is to be completed by the client
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 Authentication appointments?
Depending on the nature of the documents, notarizations are usually approximately 30 minutes.
As mentioned in step 3, document(s) that require authentication 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!
