After Document Submission

Last updated on November 22, 2024

As of November 18, 2024, Canada Post mail delivery to and from our office is delayed. Consider using a courier service during this delay. Processed documents to be returned by Canada Post will be held until the mail is running again.

Due to increased volume since the implementation of Apostille, our current processing time is 2 to 3 weeks, not including mail time.

For daily updates, please email us and read in the automatic reply: “Now processing documents received on: [Date]”.

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

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

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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After Document Submission