Notarization, Authentication/Legalization
and Consular Authentication
What does notarized or certified document mean?
A notarized or certified document means that a Canadian notary public has put a seal on your document or on a separate certificate that they have attached to your document indicating that the document has been properly witnessed or verified as a true copy of the original.
What do you need to bring to get a document notarized?
Make sure you have the following before coming to notarize a document:
1. One piece of government issued photo ID;
2. Second piece of ID with your name and signature on it; preferably an additional piece of government issued photo ID;
3. All individuals required to sign the document must attend in-person;
4. Any documents that you need to get notarized;
5. If you require true copies of the original document, then bring in the original document;
6. Do not sign any documents that need to be signed in front of a notary public.
What is authentication or legalization?
Authentication or legalization is the certification of the genuineness of the signature and seal of an official to acknowledge that the official has the authority to execute, issue or certify a document in a jurisdiction so that it may be recognized in another jurisdiction. This process does not certify the genuineness, legality or credibility of the document or its contents.
What is consular authentication or legalization?
Consular authentication or legalization is the process by which a competent authority of another State authenticates a document by typically attaching a Certification of Authentication to the document. Such procedures are used so a document authenticated in Canada may be recognized by the authorities in another jurisdiction.
Currently, our office offers consular authentication via a third-party travel agency for China. Consular authentication are subject to the procedures, laws and regulations of the jurisdiction authenticating your document. Please check the consular or embassy websites of the jurisdiction for additional information.
Our Services, Rates and Wait Time
We typically have at least one notary public in the office at any time during our office hours. You may drop by with the required documents or call in advance to confirm the availability of our notaries. Normally, a notarization will take 10 – 15 minutes.
Our rates for notarizations are as follows:
$50 for the first page of the document; and $20 for each additional page;
$20 for each additional true copy.
Our rates for authentication/legalization are as follows:
$300 for documents up to 5 pages (1 – 2 day turn around time);
$20 for each additional page;
$100 additional for same-day or next morning rush service;
Our rates for Chinese consular authentication/legalization are as follows:
$400 for documents up to 5 pages;
$40 for each additional page;
$200 fee for third-party courier service and consular fee (consular fee subject to change based on rates set by the Chinese Consulate in Calgary);
$100 additional for express delivery to China via Canada Post/Fedex;
Turn around time for Chinese Consular authentication:
o For documents notarized and legalized before 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the processing time is 8 days, ready for pick up on the Thursday of the following week;
o For documents notarized and legalized after Tuesday, the processing time is 14 days.
Please note that all of the above rates are subject to GST, may change without notice and are non-refundable.
Arrange For A Consultation Today
Call us at 780-752-2966 today. You can also schedule a consultation by sending us an email or through the convenient e-form below..