Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is the authentication of official documents of foreign origin for countries that are signatories of the Hague Convention. Canada is not a signatory of the Hague Convention and therefore does not fall within its requirements. Instead, Canada requires, and is required to provide a Certificate of Authentication.
Where is ODS located?
ODS has one office location only at 700 University Ave,
6th Floor in Toronto. See the map of the area and subway directions to ODS.
How do I contact the Official Documents Services office?
See contact information for ODS.
What are ODS hours?
Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
ODS is closed on all public holidays:
New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
What kind of documents does ODS authenticate?
ODS formally authenticates legalized documents requested by foreign consulates and embassies. ODS authenticates notarized or commissioned: birth, adoption, marriage or divorce certificates; property ownership documents; school, college, or university admission papers and transcripts; business and commercial documents; and other government official documents. Please note that ODS authenticates the status of a Notary Public or Commissioner for taking Affidavits; it does not verify the contents of any notarized or commissioned document.
What payment methods does ODS accept?
Walk-in clients:
- Cash
- VISA & MASTERCARD
- Debit card
- Certified cheque*
- Money order*
Mail-in:
- Certified cheque*
- Money order*
* Certified cheques and money orders are to be made payable to the MINISTER OF FINANCE
What do I need to do to get my documents authenticated?
- We recommend that you first check with the appropriate consulate/embassy to ensure that all requirements are met before any document is notarized or commissioned. See contact information for Embassies and consulates.
- Mail or bring in person, to ODS your original notarized documents, with the appropriate fee. ODS will authenticate the original notarized documents.
- ODS will issue a certificate of authentication for each document that has been authenticated.
Consult our Client checklist for details on what you need to do before presenting documents to ODS.
How does ODS authenticate documents?
ODS' mandate is to verify the document submitted to its office by comparing the signature and seal/stamp (as applicable) on the document against the information on file pertaining to the notary public/commissioner for taking affidavits.
ODS staff must be able to visually inspect all the relevant information on the notarized/commissioned document in its entirety before completing the authentication process.
Authentication will only proceed if:
• all parts of the signature, seal and/or stamp of the Notary Public or Commissioner
for taking Affidavits are visible on the same page of the document; and
• the Notary Public or Commissioner for taking Affidavits is registered on file with ODS; and
• the name, seal and/or stamp is identical to that on file at ODS.
How long will it take to authenticate my documents?
If you are visiting our office, your documents can be authenticated while you wait. If you are mailing the documents, they will be mailed back to you within ten (10) business days upon receipt by ODS. We use Canada Post to return your documents. You can use a courier service of your choice if you enclose a pre-paid envelope with your request.
Does ODS have an in-house notary public?
No. Please consult your local Yellow pages for a notary public in your area.
