Authentication and Legalization


One-stop shopping for all three steps for your international documents

Save time and hassle with Downtown Notary's authentication and legalization services for international documents. We can provide you with all three steps - notarization, authentication and legalization - quickly and easily. There's no need to make multiple appointments for each service - our experienced Authentication and Legalization Specialists can do it all for you!

What does “authentication and legalization” mean?

Authentication and legalization are the processes required to make documents notarized in Canada valid for use outside of Canada. This is the equivalent to apostille, which is not performed in Canada.

Authentication: When a document is authenticated, Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa or Official Document Services in Toronto verifies the notary's stamp and signature and issues a certificate of authenticity.

Legalization: When a document is legalized, the consulate or embassy of the country in which the document is to be used verifies the certificate of authenticity of Global Affairs Canada or Official Document Services.

 

How does authentication and legalization work?

With Downtown Notary, authentication and legalization is as easy as 1-2-3

 
 

Step 1: Notarization

Meet with our Authentication and Legalization Specialists to notarize your documents. Outside of Canada? No problem - we can arrange to have your documents mailed to us.

Price:

  • $37.99 for the first notarization (notary’s stamp and signature)

  • $24.99 for each additional notarization

 
 
Graphic of a document with a checkmark seal to represent step 2, authentication

Step 2: Authentication

The Authentication and Legalization Specialist authenticates your documents at Global Affairs Canada or Official Document Services.

Price:

  • Official Document Services:

    • $106.00 for the first document

    • $20.00 for each additional document

    • Plus any applicable Official Document Services fees

  • Global Affairs Canada:

    • $15.00 (flat rate)

    • Plus shipping costs and any applicable Global Affairs Canada fees

      • Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Global Affairs Canada is not offering any in-person services and is accepting authentication requests only through mail.

 
Graphic of a globe encircled with planets to represent step 3, legalization

Step 3: Legalization

The Authentication and Legalization Specialist legalizes your documents at the embassy or consulate.

Price:

  • Group A consulates and embassies - includes Mexico, Colombia, Germany, France, Greece and Ecuador:

    • First document: $130.00

    • Additional documents: $30.00 each

    • Plus any applicable consulate / embassy fees

  • Group B consulates and embassies - includes Israel, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Spain and Taiwan:

    • First document: $165.00

    • Additional documents: $30.00 each additional document

    • Plus any applicable consulate / embassy fees

  • Group C consulates and embassies - includes Uruguay, Panama, Philippines, China, Argentina, South Korea and the United States:

    • First document: $196.00

    • Additional documents: $30.00 each

    • Plus any applicable consulate / embassy fees

  • Don’t see a country listed? We can still help! Contact us using the form at the bottom of this page or emailing us at info@downtown-notary.ca.

Authentication and legalization done.

Done!

Once your documents are notarized, authenticated or legalized, we return them to you in person or by mail.

  • In person return at our downtown Toronto office: free

  • Return via mail: $25 plus the cost of Canada Post Xpresspost

 

Ready to get started?

Complete the authentication and legalization request form today to get more information and a free quote!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Authentication and Legalization

 
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Get started today

Save time, stress and hassle with Downtown Notary’s easy authentication and legalization services. Submit your request and get a free quote now!