After Document Submission

Last updated on April 29, 2024

The certificate riveted (physically attached with hole punch and rivet) to the document must not be removed. If the authentication certificate is removed from the document, it is considered null and void, and the document will have to be sent in for authentication again at your own expense.

Consulates and embassies will not accept a document if the authentication certificate is not attached.

After riveting with the authentication certificate, the original document will have a hole punched in it, and therefore may not be valid for other uses (e.g. use of an original birth certificate as identification).

Note that you are solely responsible for ensuring that the destination country, or its embassy or consulate in Canada, will accept the documents in the format authenticated.

 

Below are sample images of authentication certificates riveted to a document, before and after January 11, 2024:

Authentication certificate riveted to a document before January 11, 2024

Authentication certificate ("apostille") riveted to document before January 11, 2024

 

Authentication certificate ("apostille") riveted to a document on or after January 11, 2024

Authentication certificate ("apostille") riveted to document on or after January 11, 2024

If we cannot authenticate your document, we will return your document to you and explain in writing why it could not be authenticated.

Reasons we may not be able to authenticate your document include:

  • Missing or incorrect payment
  • Missing B.C. Document Authentication Request form
  • Signatory (the person who signed when your document was issued) is not on file with our office
  • Document is notarized by a notary (lawyer or non-lawyer) who is not on file with our office
  • Missing notarization date, signature or seal
  • Documents are not organized and clear on how they are to be processed
  • Document is over 40 pages
  • Document is a photocopy
  • Document was issued in another province, territory or country
  • Document does not comply with Translation Requirements
  • Document is of questionable legal status
  • Document is not for use outside of Canada or not eligible for authentication in B.C.
Useful Contacts

Email: BCAuthentication@gov.bc.ca

Mail/Courier Address:

Ministry of Attorney General
OIC Administration Office
Attention: BC Authentication Program
1001 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC V8W 2C5