Processing Times for Authenticating Documents

Rush, walk-in, drop off and while-you-wait services are not available.

Our office strives to process requests within fourteen (14) business days, not including mail time.

For daily status updates, send a blank email to us at BCAuthentication@gov.bc.ca. You will receive an automatic reply that is updated each business day with current processing times: "Now processing documents received on: [Date]". If you do not see an automatic reply with this information, check your spam or junk filter.

Processing times are dependent on volume and will take longer if:

• We need to contact you about your request
• Information in your request is incomplete or missing
• Your documents are disorganized and difficult to assess
• We do not have in our records a sample of the signature (for example, because the document is old)
• The signatory who signed the document is not on file

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.

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