At David Watt’s Notary Public, our team can provide you with efficient notary services for international documents.
What is an International Notary?
An international notary is a notary public who is qualified to notarize documents for use in foreign countries. In general, notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents, ensuring that signers are who they say they are and that they sign documents willingly.
What is an Apostille?
As of January 11, 2024, Canadian public documents that have been authenticated now have a certificate called an “Apostille” attached to them. This certificate allows the documents to be submitted for use in 125 countries that are members of the Hague Convention without the additional step of legalization by a country’s consulate or embassy here in Canada. The additional step of legalization may still be necessary for countries that are not members of the Convention.
Be sure to check with the consulate or embassy of the destination country to determine what documents you need and what other steps you may need to take before and after submission to the B.C. Authentication Program. Please note current wait times for authentication and an Apostille are between 30-45 business days.
Our Notarial Services
Our international notarial service includes:
Document Authentication: As a notary public, if you need a document authenticated, we are able to confirm the authenticity of a document or a signature on a document.
Oaths and Affirmations: We are able to administer oaths and affirmations, which are often required for sworn statements or for an affidavit intended for use overseas.
Certifying Copies: We are able to provide you with a certified true copy of documents for foreign use.
Overseas Property Transactions: For those buying or selling property abroad, our notary service can assist in real estate transfers and verifying and authenticating the necessary paperwork.
What Can You Use Our Notarial Services For?
We provide personalized service based on your notarial needs. Some of the people and reasons someone might need our international notary services include:
International Business: Companies doing business abroad use our notary services as they often need a document notarized for various transactions, contracts, and agreements.
Immigration or Visas: Individuals moving to another country might need to submit notarized copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other personal documents.
Overseas Education: Students attending universities in other countries might need notarized transcripts or diplomas.
Real Estate Transactions: Buying or selling property in another country might necessitate various documents to be notarized.
International Adoptions: Adopting a child from a foreign country often requires a multitude of notarized documents.
Estate Settlement: Settling an estate that has assets in multiple countries might require the services of an international notary.
Administrating Bodies
The BC Authentication Program is administered by the Order in Council (OIC) Administration Office in the Ministry of Attorney General.
The Canada Authentication Program is administered by Global Affairs Canada -Authentication Services Section (JLAC).
David Watts – Notary Public
David Watts Notary Public is based in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Our office is located at 675 W Hastings St., Unit #1412. If you looking for a local foreign notary or other notarial services, please contact us. Our business hours are 9am-5pm, Monday–Friday.