Preparing your Documents for Authentication

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]”.

Apostille Convention

The Apostille Convention came into effect in Canada on January 11, 2024. An authentication certificate called an "apostille" is attached to all documents that have been authenticated in B.C. on or after January 11, 2024. See Apostille Convention for details.

Different types of B.C. public documents may need to be prepared differently.

Before preparing your document for authentication, please check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country regarding what documents you need and what other steps you may need to take.

Click on the following links to see what documents can be authenticated in B.C. and how to prepare different document types for authentication:

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.

TIPS

If your document is over 40 pages in length, you must contact us before submitting the document for authentication
If your document is signed and sealed by a notary (lawyer or non-lawyer), the notary must already be on file with our office to avoid delays (see B.C. Notarized Documents)
If your document needs to be translated, it is recommended to check with the notary first and involve them in the translation process to avoid issues (see Translation Requirements)

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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Preparing your Documents for Authentication

Apostille Convention

TIPS

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