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CONTACT US
Authentication of Documents
Governments and organizations sometimes require that foreign documents be authenticated before they
will accept them. If you require further information on how to have Canadian documents authenticated, so
that they will be acceptable for use outside Canada, contact the Authentication and Service of Documents
Section (JLAC) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by mail, fax, telephone or
in person.
For more information, please choose from the following list:
- We can only authenticate Canadian documents.
- We can only authenticate signatures on documents. We cannot review or approve the content
of those documents.
- Legal documents must be signed and sealed by a Canadian lawyer, solicitor, notary or
commissioner of oaths.
- Original documents issued by a federal or provincial authority must be signed by an official of the
respective government.
- Medical reports must be certified by a Canadian lawyer, solicitor, notary or commissioner of
oaths, or by a representative of the relevant provincial medical association.
- Translations (regardless of the language) can only be authenticated if they are certified, signed
and sealed by a Canadian lawyer, solicitor, notary or commissioner of oaths.
You may submit documents for authentication by mail or in person.
- We can only authenticate certified copies of birth, marriage or death certificates, issued by the
appropriate provincial authorities.
- You can obtain a certified copy of a birth, marriage or death certificate from your provincial
Bureau of Vital Statistics. In the province of Quebec, you can obtain these certificates from the
Directeur de l'état civil [office of civil status.].
- We are able to authenticate photocopies. However, they must be certified true copies, signed and
sealed by a lawyer, solicitor, notary or commissioner of oaths.
- We are unable to authenticate plastic, wallet-sized versions of these certificates.
You may submit documents for authentication by mail or in person.
- We can only authenticate degrees or student transcripts issued by a Canadian educational
facility. In the case of foreign degrees or transcripts, you should contact the nearest embassy or
consulate for the country of origin. They will advise you of their procedures.
- University or college degrees or transcripts must be signed and sealed by the relevant Office of
the Registrar. A full signature, name and title must appear on the document.
- Canadian high school or elementary school transcripts must be signed by the principal or vice
principal of the school concerned. A full signature, name and title must appear on the document.
- We are able to authenticate photocopies of degrees and transcripts. However, these must be
certified true copies, signed and sealed by either the Office of the Registrar or a Canadian
lawyer, solicitor, notary or commissioner of oaths.
You may submit documents for authentication by mail or in person.
- If you were not born in Canada, you must submit certified true copies of your Canadian
citizenship card and Record of Landing form.
- If you were born in Canada, you must submit a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- You must provide a statutory declaration of your present marital status and indicate the name and
citizenship of your future spouse.
- If you have been married before, you must submit a certified copy of a divorce certificate or
divorce judgment.
- If you intend to marry in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, your certificate must be issued no
more than three months before your intended marriage date.
You must submit your request for a Statement In-Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage
Abroad by mail.
There are no fees for our services.
Authentication and Service of Documents Section (JLAC)
Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0G2
Please include a covering letter indicating your mailing address and outlining your specific requirements.
We will return your documents to you by regular mail. If you want the documents to be returned to you by
courier, you must provide a prepaid envelope from the courier of your choice.
If you are submitting your documents in person, and you have fewer than 10 in total, we can process them
while you wait. If you have more than 10 documents, they must be left in our office for authentication.
They should be ready for return to you within 7 to 10 working days.
Appointments are not necessary. Simply report to the Reception Desk at the address shown above. Our
office hours are Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (except on statutory holidays).
(613) 944-7078
(613) 995-0119
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