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 Authentication Services on the Foreign Affairs Canada website.

Find out whether your documents need to be authenticated.

Remember that not all countries need Canadian documents to be validated or legalized before they may be used inside their borders. Similarly, a statement instead of a certificate of no legal barrier is required to tie the knot in another country. Thus, before submitting your document, make sure it meets the requirements by contacting the organization requesting it or the embassy, high commission, or consulate of the country where it will be used:

● The Canadian High Commission and Embassies Abroad

● International Canadian representation at consulates

Put your content into translation.

A notarized certified translation of the document must be included if any portion is written in a language other than English or French. You may go one of two ways:

The interpretation of a trained professional

What is meant by “official” translation? A representative has reviewed this translation and given it their stamp of approval.

● official provincial associations of translators and interpreters; the Canadian Association of Translators and Interpreters

● A translator’s affidavit may be required in certain countries. Testimonies in Canada need to be signed and sealed by a notary public.

Foreign-language proof of DFAIT Legalization documents for a foreign pension benefit. You need to specify on the application form that this is a proof of life document, and the maximum length of the text allowed is half a page.