Legal Authentication and Apostille Services
Authenticating Your Documents with Care
At Loyal & Loyal Notary Public Services, we understand the importance of ensuring that your legal documents are recognized and accepted both domestically and internationally. Our Legal Authentication and Apostille Services provide you with the peace of mind you need when dealing with official documents.
Our Services Include:
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Document Authentication: We facilitate the verification of your legal documents, confirming their validity and ensuring they meet the requirements set by government authorities.
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Apostille Services: We provide apostille services for documents intended for use in foreign countries. An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, making it acceptable in nations that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention.
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Preparation and Submission: Our team will assist you in preparing your documents for authentication and will handle the submission process to the appropriate authorities, ensuring everything is done accurately and efficiently.
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Consultation: We offer personalized consultations to help you understand the requirements and processes involved in document authentication and apostille services.
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Fast Turnaround: We prioritize your needs and strive for a quick turnaround time, so you can receive your authenticated documents without unnecessary delays.
FAQs
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What is an Apostille?An Apostille is a document authentication issued by a designated authority in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It certifies the authenticity of a signature, seal, or stamp for legal use in other member countries.
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What’s the difference between Apostille and document authentication?Apostilles are for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention, while document authentication is for countries outside of it. Authentication typically involves notarization and government certification (e.g., Global Affairs Canada).
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What documents require Apostille or authentication?Common documents include: Birth, marriage, and death certificates Diplomas and transcripts Affidavits and powers of attorney Criminal background checks Corporate documents
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Can I get an Apostille in Canada?Yes. As of January 11, 2024, Canada is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, allowing Canadian documents to be recognized in member countries without extra authentication steps.
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What is the document authentication and legalization process in Canada?It involves three steps: Notarization Authentication by Global Affairs Canada or a provincial body Legalization by the consulate of the destination country.
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How long does the authentication and legalization process take?It typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the agencies involved. Expedited services may be available.
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How long does it take to get an Apostille?Processing times at ODS typically range from 1 to 15 business days, depending on the submission method. As of July 25, 2024, Global Affairs Canada’s processing time for Apostille or Authentication requests is about 3 months (approximately 44 business days or 62 calendar days). This does not include mailing time, which can extend the total duration. Be sure to account for any additional time needed for legalization at foreign embassies or consulates if it’s a non-apostille country.
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Do I need original documents or copies?Some documents, like birth certificates, must be originals. Others, like corporate records, can be certified copies. Check the receiving country’s requirements.
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What are the costs?Fees vary depending on the number of documents and the agencies involved. There are separate charges for notarization, authentication, and legalization.
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Can I handle the process myself?Yes, but it requires coordination with multiple agencies. Loyal & Loyal can help streamline the process and avoid errors.
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Why choose Loyal & Loyal for document authentication and legalization?We ensure documents meet legal requirements, are processed on time, and advise on specific country rules, minimizing delays and rejections.
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Can digital documents be authenticated?Currently, only physical documents can be authenticated. Digital documents must be printed, notarized, and certified as true copies.
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How do I start the process?Contact us to discuss your document needs and destination country. We’ll guide you through each step and handle the process for you.