FAQ

What’s the difference between authentication and an apostille?

Both are certificates from Global Affairs Canada confirming a document’s signature and seal are genuine, so another country will accept it. An apostille is issued for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (Canada joined in January 2024) and is a single-step process. For non-member countries, the older two-step process applies: Global Affairs Canada authentication, followed by legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate in Canada. We confirm which one your destination needs.

Do I need notarization before authentication or apostille?

It depends on the document. Some documents (like a power of attorney or a company resolution) need to be notarized or provincially certified first, before Global Affairs Canada will authenticate them. Government-issued documents like a birth certificate usually don’t. We check this for you before submission so you’re not paying for a step you don’t need — or missing one you do.

How long does the process take?

Notarization is usually same-day. Authentication and apostille timelines depend on Global Affairs Canada’s current processing volume — mailing it in yourself can take several weeks; our expediting service is typically faster because we hand-deliver and track submissions. We give you a specific estimate once we know your document type and current turnaround.

Can you notarize a document I’ve already signed?

No — for the notarization to be valid, you need to sign in front of the notary, not before. Bring the document unsigned.

What ID do I need to bring?

One piece of valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, or provincial ID card).

Do you handle documents for people outside Alberta or outside Canada?

Notarization requires signing in person, but if the document is already notarized or doesn’t need it, we can handle the authentication, apostille, and courier-back steps for you remotely. Contact us with your situation and we’ll confirm what’s possible.

Do you also do criminal record checks or fingerprinting?

Not directly through CDS — but our sibling companies do. See Canada Police Check for record checks, and Canada Fingerprinting Agency / Edmonton Fingerprinting Services for digital fingerprinting.