Notary public — authentication for foreign use
Notarization and authentication for foreign governments.
What is included
- Checks your identity and the document's purpose
- Notarizes signatures or certifies true copies
- Explains the apostille or authentication steps for the destination country
- Prepares the document for the next authentication step
What is not included
- Government, court or registration fees and other disbursements
- Accounting, appraisal or other independent reports
- Work beyond the scope in the lawyer's written retainer
Who this service is for
- People sending documents to another country
- Businesses needing notarized signatures or copies
- Students and workers with documents for foreign institutions
Information to have ready
- 1The original document, unsigned if it needs your signature
- 2Valid government-issued photo ID
- 3The destination country and any instructions from the receiving office
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $75–$200, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What is an apostille?
A certificate that confirms a public document's origin so it can be used in a country that belongs to the Apostille Convention. Canada has issued apostilles since January 2024; documents for other countries may still need authentication and legalization by that country's embassy or consulate.
Should I sign the document before I arrive?
No. If the document needs your signature, bring it unsigned, because the notary needs to see you sign it.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed
- Deadlines keep running during a referral
- The lawyer confirms the scope, fee and steps in a written retainer before starting
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