Documents
Authentication

March 22, 2022:

Please note that the BC Government will be assuming the function of authenticating documents for international use. Beginning April 1, 2022, The Society of Notaries Public of BC will no longer authenticate documents intended for international purposes. Please refer to your Notary Public for next steps in the process.

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Notaries Public provide a service to the public for situations in which documents for use in other countries are required. There may be times when you will need to use documents such as an affidavit, power of attorney, or a certified copy of a document in another country for specific purposes. This process is known as Authentication.

The process of authentication is when a Notary attests documents for use in a foreign country or jurisdiction. The Notary will review the documents, speak with you about the nature of use and the specific requirements of the country in which the document is to be used. Please be aware that every country and consulate has different requirements and different procedures. It is the client’s responsibility to inquire with the consulate prior to speaking with the Notary. This will assist the Notary in providing the level of service that is required.

Upon receiving and reviewing the documents, the Notary will sign and seal the documents. Once the Notary has signed and sealed the documents, they are sent directly to the Ministry of the Attorney General OIC office in Victoria, as the signature and office of the Notary must be authenticated before the document will be accepted at the Consulate.

Here are some important considerations when authenticating your documents:

• Contact the Consulate of the country in which the documents are to be used to confirm their requirements. Do this prior to seeing a Notary.
• The Society Office does not have a Notary that provides services directly to the public,
• Present all documents to be notarized to the Notary.
• Once the Notary has completed the process of notarizing the document, discuss with them regarding the next steps on sending documentation forward to the BC Government.