Here’s how to get ready for your an appointment to have us help you with an apostille or an authentication.

Bring the original document you need to sign

The Notary needs to take your signature on the original document, so please bring that.

Remember that not all documents need to be signed off on by the notary before you send them for an apostille or authentication. Please read the information on the BC Government’s Website for details.

Check any instructions you received requesting an apostille or authentication

Check with the people who are asking you for this document to be apostilled or authenticated, to see if they have any special instructions we need to follow.

For example, documents which come to us in a foreign language will require a certified true translation before we can sign them or submit them for an apostille.

Yes, you still need your ID

We have to identify our clients, especially when we sending documents to the BC Government for apostilles or authentications. Please remember to bring your two pieces of current, government-issued ID, one of which needs to have a photo.

If You Need Some Help

Getting assistance from a family member or friend

Some of our clients find it helpful to bring a family member or friend to their appointment, or to have someone help them prepare their paperwork beforehand. This is fine, as long as your helper is just helping you, and not forcing you to do something you don’t want to do.

If someone else is completing your forms or gathering your documents on your behalf, please make sure they have your instructions and that you have reviewed everything before your appointment. The work we do is for you, not them, and we will need to speak with you directly at your appointment.

Using a Power of Attorney

If you are signing for someone as an Attorney under a BC Power of Attorney, please let us know as early as possible. We will need to see the original Power of Attorney, and have you sign additional paperwork showing you still have the authority to act.

Please note that we will still need to see the Adult themselves.

How long will this take?

Your appointment should take approximately 30 minutes if you have:

  • your documents (in English) all completed, but not yet signed
  • clear instructions about what the foreign country needs
  • proper identification documentation

If you are not sure what you need, or don’t have a translation of your documents, it may take longer.

If your document is going to take longer than the standard 30 minute appointment, we will let you know. Additional fees may apply for longer appointments.

Be Kind

It’s always surprising to have to say this out loud, but we do not tolerate abuse of our staff, ourselves or the legal system.

We will refuse service to persons who are rude, abusive, who throw things or have tantrums. And yes, these are all real-life things that have happened.

We will also refuse you service if you appear to be asking for this service for invalid documents, or for documents which may be used in fraudulent or suspicious circumstances.

We love helping our clients within our professional obligations, and will often go out of our way to help where we can. When we can’t help, we will always let you know.