Authenticating Notarized Documents
Canada has joined the Apostille Convention, which simplifies the process of getting Canadian documents authenticated. Canadian citizens and businesses can submit Canadian public documents – such as birth and marriage certificates, education, court, or notarized documents – for an authenticity certificate called an Apostille. This certificate will allow the documents to be used in any of the countries that are members of the convention.
The convention will come into effect on January 11, 2024. As part of this process, effective January 11, 2024:
- Saskatchewan will adopt the uniform Apostille certificate for all authentications; and
- Saskatchewan will expand the types of documents that can receive authentication. Please consult the list below.
In preparation for this change, the Authentication Services office will be pausing the general processing of authentications from December 15, 2023 to January 11, 2024.
Authentications can still be issued on a special-case basis during this period. However, certain consulates or embassies may refuse to process the former style of non-Apostille authentications received either on or after January 11, 2024.
Mail-In Services Only
At this time, we will not be accepting any walk-ins. All authentication services will be provided by mail-in services only until further notice. No exceptions.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we move into our new office location.
Where a recipient country is not a member of the convention, the Apostille certificate will act as a regular authentication. Effective January 11, 2024, Saskatchewan will no longer issue the former style of authentication certificates.
1. Document Requirements
Start by checking with the embassy or consulate regarding what documents are required and the steps that are necessary for each document.
Ensure your document contains an original (wet ink) signature and stamp from a signatory for the Province of Saskatchewan.
It is your responsibility to check with the consulate or embassy for the documents they require and how the documents should be packaged (i.e., whether several documents can be sent together or if they must remain separate).
The Authentication Services office does not advise on consulate and embassy requirements, and it is not authorized to contact the consulate or embassy on your behalf.
2. Fees and Processing Times
The processing fee is $50 per certificate issued. If you want more than one document bundled in a single certificate, please provide instructions in your authentication package.
Personal cheques and money orders made payable to the "Minister of Finance" are accepted. If you wish to pay using a credit card, please enclose a contact phone number, and the office will contact you once the documents are received.
Turnaround time is three to five business days, depending on the volume of requests that are received.
3. Return Mail Service
Documents are returned via regular mail to any address requested.
Should you require a tracking number or faster return, please enclose a prepaid envelope with your documents.
Note: we do not hold documents at the office. If a document does not meet necessary requirements, the package will be returned.
4. Submitting Your Documents
Prior to mailing your document(s), please ensure your document(s) meets the requirements. (See checklist below – print and enclose with your package if you like.)
Document Authentication Checklist
Mail only the document(s) receiving the authentication to:
Ministry of Justice and Attorney General
Authentication Services
1010 – 1874 Scarth Street
Regina SK S4P 4B3
Contact Information:
Phone: 306-787-5972
Email: authserv@gov.sk.ca
5. Types of Documents
Vital Statistics:
- These are original documents issued by Saskatchewan Vital Statistics. Originals or a notarized true copy are accepted.
Saskatchewan Notaries:
- Documents must be signed, dated and sealed by a Saskatchewan Notary Public (i.e., a lawyer or non-lawyer).
- Documents must be notarized (signed, dated and sealed) by the notary in their capacity as a notary, not in their capacity as a commissioner or other non-notary designation. Documents signed or sealed in their capacity as a commissioner or other non-notary designation will not be authenticated.
Saskatchewan Education Documents:
- These include documents issued by a Saskatchewan public post-secondary education institution, including a letter of enrolment confirmation and registration, transcripts and grades, diploma, or medical letter. The office accepts either the original or notarized true copies of these documents.
- The office also accepts notarized true copies of high school transcripts and diplomas.
Court Documents:
- These include original documents (not photocopies) issued by a Saskatchewan court.
- All court documents requiring authentication should be stamped and signed with ink by a court employee, including:
- Affidavits, divorce certificates, Supreme Court orders, petitions of divorce, and letters of probate (certified true copies only).
- Original Saskatchewan divorce certificates must be sealed and signed with ink by a court employee.
- Most Saskatchewan court documents provided to the public are issued as certified true copies that are stamped and signed with ink by a Saskatchewan court employee.
- Saskatchewan Archives documents that are provided to the public are issued as certified true copies, and they must be stamped and signed with ink by a Saskatchewan Archives employee.
Criminal Record Checks:
- The office requires criminal record checks to be notarized by a notary or lawyer for the Province prior to receiving an Apostille certificate.
Corporate Registry Documents:
- The office requires corporate registry documents to be notarized by a notary or lawyer for the Province prior to receiving an Apostille certificate.
6. List of Saskatchewan Signatories
Saskatchewan's signatories include:
- Notaries acting in their notarial capacity, no commissioners for oaths;
- Lawyers acting in their notarial capacity;
- Local registrars;
- Vital statistics registrars; and
- University registrars.
*In certain cases, clients may require Global Affairs Canada to further authenticate an authentication issued by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Attorney General. Global Affairs Canada has its own set of rules and policies to determine what documents can be authenticated. If you require further authentication by Global Affairs Canada, please ensure your underlying document(s) abide by their rules and policies.*