Apostille Questions

The Notary will ask you for important information. Here are four questions to answer about your document before seeing the Notary.

1. What country is my document being used for? Some countries still require consulate authentication following the apostille process. Please reach out to the consulate of your country to confirm requirements.
2. Is my document complete or filled out? Please fill out your document as much as possible prior to the appointment. The only exception is the signature, this must be done with the notary as witness.
3. If my document contains a foreign language, has it been translated by a certified translator? If you have yet to translate your document, lists of certified professional translators can be found at the following links.
   • https://stibc.org/
   • https://www.cttic.org/
4. Are there any unique signing requirements for my document? Some documents require specific processes or wording that you need to follow to ensure they are accepted for use. If you have not been provided with instructions for your document do this.
   • Ask for instructions from the agent, government or entity who instructed you to originally complete the document;
   • Search online for guidelines around your specific type of document;
   • Ask friends or family who may have completed the same document before.

Other Common Apostille Questions

1. What is an Apostilled document? Apostille is the current standard of document authentication or legalization here in British Columbia. Many documents being used for foreign purposes require this process.
2. How do I know if my document needs to be Apostilled? While there is no set list of types of documents that require Apostille, individuals or entities requesting the documents are usually aware of specific requirements. We suggest reaching out to the document’s final destination to inquire if it requires Apostille.
3. How long does it take to get my document Apostilled? We courier documents to and from the Attorney General’s office to cut down on mailing times. Processing times at the Attorney General’s Office are generally just under 2 weeks, so you can assume your document will take between 10-15 business days to be returned.
4. Where can find more information about getting my document Apostilled? Further information can be found on the BC Attorney General’s website.
5. Is legalization the same as getting an Apostille? Generally yes. Apostille is a formal certificate which would be considered an additional ‘legalization’ of a document or ‘authentication’ of a document.  Often the terms legalization, authentication and Apostille are used but have the same meaning.
6. Is authenticating a document the same as getting an Apostille? Generally yes. Apostille is a formal certificate which would be considered an additional ‘legalization’ of a document or ‘authentication’ of a document.  Often the terms legalization, authentication and Apostille are used but have the same meaning.
7. Is legalization the same as getting an Apostille? Generally yes. Apostille is a formal certificate which would be considered an additional ‘legalization’ of a document or ‘authentication’ of a document.  Often the terms legalization, authentication and Apostille are used but have the same mea