How Are BC Notarized Documents Prepared for Authentication

A signature on paper is often not enough to hold up in a court of law or to finalize an international business deal. Legal documents, financial statements, and travel papers  generated in Canada, require notarization and a seal of authentication to fulfill the requirements to make it equivalent to an apostille process, that in Canada is called International Document Legalization. Some examples of commonly notarized documents to be used abroad include: 

 

• Power of Attorney

• Bill of Sale

• Parental Consent for Travel

• Medical Authorization

• Business Documents

Some documents we need to have the original ones legalized, some examples are:

 

• Criminal Records

• Death Certificate

• Birth Certificate

For these documents to be valid abroad, they must follow the notarization and authentication process by a BC Notary Public (BC lawyer or BC non-lawyer).

When obtaining document authorization, ensure you are working with a notary on file with the BC Authentication Program, and registered with the consulate of the country you will need to used the document after.

The Process of Notarizing a Document in British Columbia

The steps for notarizing a document in British Columbia is to have your signature(s) witnessed by a notary, and then the file can be sealed and authenticated for official use.

If you intend to use the document for international use, the best way to determine what is needed to authenticate your paper is to contact the embassy or consulate for the specific country. 

How to Authenticate Notarized Documents in British Columbia

The process of authenticating documents in British Columbia can seem a bit technical at first. However, with the help of Zancope Notary, you can streamline the process and avoid delays. We are one of the few Notaries with extensive experience navigating the systems of multiple countries and consulates. 

At Zancope Notary Public, our specialties are Wills and Estate Planning documents (Representation Agreement and Power of Attorney) and real estate. We are a full-service firm. We also offer real estate services for clients in Langley and throughout Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We can help you with buying, selling, and refinancing real estate, and provide family property transfers and independent legal advice.

If you have any questions about this article or estate planning, in general, or if you want to make an appointment with Zancope Notary Public, please contact us at (604) 260-6783.