Authenticating Notarized Documents
Authentications Services' office is now open and walk-in service is available. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the office is open over the lunch hour.
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 came 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.
1. Document Requirements
The Authentication Services office does not advise on document requirements, and it is not authorized to contact the consulate or embassy on your behalf.
Start by checking with the embassy, consulate or third party regarding what documents are required and how each document must be submitted/bundled (i.e., whether several documents can be sent together or if they must remain separate).
Ensure your document contains an original (wet ink) signature and stamp from a signatory for the Province of Saskatchewan. You may also submit originals of the following:- an original Vital Statistics certificate; or
- an original post-secondary diploma from the University of Regina or the University of Saskatchewan.
2. Packages, Fees and Processing Times
The processing fee for an authentication is $50 per certificate issued, signatory listed, or package that is required. Our office now accepts payment in person by Debit, Visa or Mastercard.
Please provide instructions for packaged bundles if documents must be separated.
Please note that we bind the Apostille certificate to your document(s).
Payments are accepted by:
- Personal cheques and money orders made payable to the Minister of Finance.
- If you wish to pay by credit card, please enclose a phone number, and the office will contact you for payment once the documents are processed.
- Payment in person by debit or credit card at the office located at 101-1855 Victoria Avenue, Regina.
Turnaround times are normally 3-5 business days depending on the volume of requests received and if further clarification of your document is required.
No same day service is offered.
3. Return Mail Service
Documents are mailed to the sender via regular mail, unless otherwise instructed.
If 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 to the sender.
4. Submitting Your Documents
You may submit your document (s) either by mail or dropping them off at the address below (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
101 - 1855 Victoria Avenue
Regina SK S4P 3T2
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 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. Please ensure the court official's full name also appears on the document.
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.*