Legal and Notarial Services

Canadian consular officials abroad have authority under the Canada Evidence Act and corresponding provincial/territorial statutes to perform a variety of notarial services, including taking affidavits.

Foreign governments and organizations will sometimes require that documents be authenticated before they will be accepted. Documents should be authenticated by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada before your departure.

Canadian consular officials abroad can also authenticate certain documents. However, the list of documents that can be authenticated by officials abroad is less comprehensive.

Other notarial services provided by consular officials abroad may include witnessing a signature on a document and certifying true copies of an original document presented to the official.

Consular officials cannot offer advice on legal issues or represent persons before the courts, nor do they post bail, pay lawyers’ fees or pay fines.

A fee is charged for each service provided.

For more information, contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad. Consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers who offer legal and notarial services to Canadian travellers.