How to Apostille a Document in Canada

If you're planning to use your Canadian documents abroad—for work, study, marriage, business, or legal purposes—you’ll likely need an apostille. Since Canada officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, the process of making your documents valid for international use has become faster and more streamlined.

Hanshah

4/23/20252 min read

What Is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be legally used in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Before 2024, Canadians had to go through a two-step "authentication and legalization" process. Now, one apostille certificate replaces that entire process—saving time and effort.

What Types of Documents Can Be Apostilled?

Many documents may require an apostille before they are accepted internationally, including:

  • Birth certificates (apostille birth certificate)

  • Marriage certificates

  • Degrees, diplomas, and academic transcripts

  • Criminal record checks (e.g., RCMP police certificates)

  • Power of attorney or affidavits

  • Business or corporate documents

  • Travel consent letters for children

Who Can Issue an Apostille in Canada?

It’s important to understand that Public Notaries cannot issue apostilles. Apostilles are only issued by specific government authorities in Canada, known as “competent authorities.” These include:

  • Global Affairs Canada – for federal documents or documents issued by federal departments

  • Provincial apostille authorities – for documents issued within provinces (e.g., Ontario documents are handled by ServiceOntario)

However, many documents must be notarized first before they can be sent for apostille. This is where Dodo Notary plays a crucial role.

Why Choose Dodo Notary for Apostille Services?

Many people look for "apostille near me" or try to navigate the process themselves. But without the right knowledge, this often leads to:

  • Submitting the wrong version of a document

  • Missing notarization steps

  • Delays due to incomplete paperwork

  • Paying for courier services twice

At Dodo Notary, we offer a complete apostille service to take the stress off your shoulders. We manage the entire process from start to finish.

Here’s what we do for you:
  • Document review: We confirm what steps your document needs to be eligible for apostille.

  • Notarization: If required, we notarize your document first.

  • Application preparation: We fill out all necessary forms and paperwork on your behalf.

  • Submission to the correct authority: We send your documents to the appropriate federal or provincial office.

  • Follow-up and delivery: We track your application and ensure safe return of your documents.

You don't need to figure out which office to contact or how to fill out the forms—we handle it all for you.

Apostille in Ontario and Apostille in Toronto – Our Specialty

Whether you are in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, or outside the country, we offer fast, reliable, and accurate apostille services. We specialize in:

  • Apostille for Ontario-issued documents

  • Apostille in Toronto for personal, educational, or legal documents

  • Handling of urgent or time-sensitive requests

We understand the local systems and requirements, which allows us to move faster and with fewer errors than those unfamiliar with the process.

How to Get Started with Dodo Notary

Getting your document apostilled is just a few steps away. Here’s how to begin:

  1. Contact us – We’ll tell you exactly what your document needs.

  2. Send or bring your document to us – You can visit our Brampton office or submit documents online.

  3. We do the rest – We notarize (if needed), prepare the application, submit it, and follow up.

We also offer online notary services and affordable flat-rate apostille packages, so you always know what you're paying for.

Ready to Apostille Your Document?

If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and stress-free way to get an apostille in Canada, apostille in Ontario, or apostille in Toronto, Dodo Notary is here to help.

Reach out to us today if you're searching for:

  • Apostille services in Brampton or the GTA

  • Apostille birth certificate help

  • Notary and apostille service near me

  • Apostille for personal or business documents

Let Dodo Notary take care of the paperwork, so you can focus on your next steps abroad.