Until 2024, using a Canadian document abroad meant a chain of authentication and legalization stamps. On January 11, 2024, the Hague Apostille Convention came into force for Canada, and for most countries a single apostille now replaces that chain. In Ontario, apostilles are issued by Official Documents Services (ODS), part of the provincial government.
Step 1: notarization (usually)
ODS confirms the signature of an Ontario official or notary. For a privately signed document, a power of attorney, an affidavit or a certified copy of a passport or diploma, that means it must first be notarized by an Ontario notary public. Some Ontario government-issued documents can skip this step; ODS publishes the list on Ontario.ca.
Step 2: apostille or authentication by ODS
If the destination country is a party to the Convention, ODS attaches an apostille and the document is ready to use. If it is not, ODS issues an authentication instead, and the document then goes to that country’s embassy or consulate in Canada for legalization. ODS accepts requests in person in Toronto, by mail and online; current fees and processing times are on the Ontario government’s “Authenticate a document for use outside Canada” page.
Where Notary Point fits
We handle step one. Notarization for apostille is priced the same as any other notarization (from $30 per document), and because it must be done in person (ODS will not apostille remotely notarized documents), a walk-in office beside Square One is a convenient place to do it. We do not submit to ODS on your behalf, but we will tell you exactly what to send.
Three things that trip people up
- Translation. Many countries require a certified translation. Ask the receiving authority before you start.
- Timing. Mail-in processing at ODS can take weeks. Start early.
- Wording. Some countries want a specific notarial certificate. Bring any instructions you have been given.
More on our documents for use outside Canada page.