Documents we commission in the legalization & apostille category
When an Ontario document is used abroad, the receiving authority usually needs proof that the signature and seal are genuine. Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention (in force January 11, 2024) many documents take a single apostille; for non-member countries, consular legalization may still apply. A notary cannot issue the apostille itself — that is done by the designated government authority.
When an Ontario document is used abroad, the receiving authority usually needs proof that the signature and seal are genuine. Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention (in force January 11, 2024) many documents take a single apostille; for non-member countries, consular legalization may still apply. A notary cannot issue the apostille itself — that is done by the designated government authority.
Apostille certificate (Hague Convention)
A single certificate authenticating a public document for use in a member country.
Start →Authentication by Global Affairs Canada
Federal confirmation of a signature or seal before foreign use.
Start →Provincial authentication (Ontario ODS)
Ontario Official Document Services authentication of eligible documents.
Start →Consular legalization (non-Hague countries)
The extra embassy or consulate step where the destination is not a Convention member.
Start →Notarial certificate for foreign use
A notary certificate attached to a document destined for another country.
Start →Power of Attorney for use abroad
A POA notarized and prepared for authentication or apostille for overseas use.
Start →Certified translation for authentication
A sworn translation prepared to accompany a document going abroad.
Start →Education, personal or corporate documents for overseas use
Degrees, civil records or company records prepared for foreign authorities.
Start →We notarize and prepare documents for authentication or apostille and explain the route; the apostille or authentication is issued by Global Affairs Canada or Ontario’s Official Document Services. Requirements vary by destination country — confirm before you start.