Global Affairs Authentication Services: Know How it Works
Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) operates an authentication service, and this website is the sole authoritative resource for learning about it. Sometimes, you’ll need to have a Canadian document validated before you may use it abroad. The authenticity of a public official’s signature on a document is established by determining whether or not the signature is a forgery. Authentication goes by several different names across the world. After verification, the authorities of your destination country may need to approve your document before you may enter the country (e.g., by their embassy, high commission, or consulate in or accredited to Canada). It must have a genuine signature (and seal, if applicable) to validate your document. See below to see whether your document has to be validated. To learn more about the alternatives to authentication provided by the Authentication Services Division, please visit the Alternatives to Global Affairs Authenti