Apostille in Ontario: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

If you need to use a Canadian document overseas, you may be asked to obtain an apostille. Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, the process has become simpler — but many people are still confused about how it works.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a Canadian public document so it can be legally recognized in another country that is also part of the Hague Convention.

It confirms:

• The signature on the document is genuine

• The signer had authority

• The seal or stamp is valid

Once a document has an apostille, it does not need further legalization from a foreign embassy (as long as the destination country is part of the Convention).

Who Issues Apostilles in Ontario?

In Ontario, apostilles are issued by:

• Official Documents Services (for most Ontario-issued documents)

• Global Affairs Canada (for certain federal documents)

Determining which authority applies to your document is critical — submitting to the wrong office can cause delays.

What Documents Can Be Apostilled?

Common documents include:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Death certificates

• Divorce certificates

• Powers of attorney

• Notarized invitation letters

• Corporate documents

• University diplomas and transcripts

  
  

In many cases, documents must first be notarized before they qualify for an apostille.

Do All Countries Accept Apostilles?

No. Apostilles are only valid in countries that are members of the Hague Convention.

For example:

• Italy accepts apostilles

• Portugal accepts apostilles

• Spain accepts apostilles

• Hong Kong accepts apostilles

• Mexico accepts apostilles

• Greece accepts apostilles

• India accepts apostilles

• South Korea accepts apostilles

• Philippines accepts apostilles

• United States of America accepts apostilles

  
  

If your destination country is not part of the Convention, your document may still require the older authentication and embassy legalization process.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary depending on:

• The issuing authority

• Whether the document was properly prepared

• Current government processing volumes

  
  

Errors such as incorrect notarization, missing signatures, or submitting to the wrong office can significantly delay processing.

Why Use a Professional Apostille Service?

The apostille process may seem straightforward, but every document type has specific requirements.

Working with a professional ensures:

• Proper notarization (if required)

• Submission to the correct authority

• Reduced risk of rejection

• Time savings

  
  

At DG Notary, we assist clients internationally with notarization and apostille preparation to ensure documents are accepted abroad without unnecessary delays.

Need an Apostille in Ontario?

Whether you are handling an international marriage, overseas property purchase, dual citizenship application, visa application, power of attorney or foreign business transaction, we can guide you through the process from start to finish.

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