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What is an Apostille, and How Does It Work in Ontario?

If you need to use a Canadian document abroad for business, property sales, visas, or legal matters, foreign governments require proof that your documents are authentic.Historically, Canada used a cumbersome two-step “authentication and legalization” process.
As of January 2024, Canada officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention. This streamlined everything: now, a single certificate—an Apostille—is attached to your document, making it instantly valid in over 120 member countries.
The Crucial Role of the Notary
An apostille cannot be issued on a standard, unverified document. Before the government will issue an apostille, the document must first be notarized by a recognized authority.
As licensed paralegals and appointed Notary Public in Ontario, we provide the essential first step:
-Verifying your identity.
-Witnessing your signature on international legal forms.
-Creating Certified True Copies of original documents (like diplomas or passports) so you don’t have to mail out your originals.

The Apostille Process: Step-by-Step

Navigating government offices can be overwhelming. Here is exactly how the process works when you work with Crown Seal Notary:
Step 1: Mobile Notirization Step 2: Government Submission Step 3: Global Validation

We meet at your preferred location. I review your paperwork, witness your signature, and apply my official notary seal. This transforms your private document into a public, legally recognized document eligible for an apostille.

Once notarized, the document must be submitted to the government to receive the physical Apostille certificate. Depending on the document type, it will be processed either provincially through Official Documents Services (ODS) in Ontario, or federally through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The government verifies my registered notary seal, attaches the apostille certificate, and your document is now legally binding and ready to be sent to your destination country.

International Documents We Frequently Handle

Whether you are managing personal affairs or executing corporate transactions overseas, we regularly notarize and prepare a wide range of documents, including:
Corporate & Commercial Documents: Articles of incorporation, corporate bylaws, commercial powers of attorney, and business agreements.
Personal Legal Documents: Wills, estates, powers of attorney, and statutory declarations.
Vital Statistics: Birth, marriage, and death certificates.
Educational Credentials: Diplomas, university degrees, academic transcripts, and professional certifications.
Background Clearances: RCMP criminal record checks and local police certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a notary and an apostille?
A notary public certifies the authenticity of signatures and documents locally. An apostille is an additional international certificate attached to your notarized document, allowing it to be legally recognized in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
Do I need to send my documents to Ottawa or Toronto?
It depends entirely on the type of document. Some documents can be apostilled provincially right here in Ontario, while others require federal authentication. During our mobile appointment, we ensure your documents are correctly notarized and provide clear guidance on the exact next steps for submission.
What geographical areas do you cover?
We provide Mobile & In-Office Notary Services throughout Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with a heavy focus on Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Burlington, and Oakville.

Ready to get your international documents sorted?

Don’t risk international delays with improperly executed paperwork. Let Crown Seal Notary handle the details with professional, convenient Mobile & In-Office Notary Services.

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