July 18, 2023
In a move to simplify the process of authenticating official documents like birth certificates, corporate powers of attorney, and diplomas for use outside of Canada, the Ontario government is expanding this essential service to four additional ServiceOntario locations across the province.
The expanded in-person document authentication services are now available at the following locations:
- Ottawa: 110 Laurier Avenue West
- Sault Ste. Marie: 101-420 Queen Street East
- Thunder Bay: 113-435 James Street South
- Windsor: 205-400 City Hall Square East
Kaleed Rasheed, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery, emphasized the importance of this expansion. He said, "Whether someone is preparing for a major life event, a new job or an adventure abroad, authenticating documents for international use is often a crucial and time-sensitive matter. Expanding this service to four additional ServiceOntario locations across the province is yet another example of our government putting customers first and saving people time and money."
When public documents are to be used in another country, proof of authentication for documents such as birth and marriage certificates, educational diplomas, and corporate documents is often required. This is particularly important for people doing business, studying, or travelling abroad, people applying for international visas, or people participating in international adoptions.
The expansion of authentication services complements the services already available in-person and by mail at the Official Documents Services office located at 222 Jarvis Street in Toronto. This will better serve the millions of Ontarians who live outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
This change enables more individuals and businesses to have their documents authenticated via same-day service, in addition to the standard mail-in options, which often require up to 15 business days to complete.
The expansion of services also prepares Ontario to handle an anticipated surge of document authentication requests as a result of Canada joining the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024. Once the Convention comes into effect, the province will be solely responsible for authenticating Ontario-issued public documents. This move is a significant step towards making the process of document authentication more accessible and efficient for the people and businesses of Ontario.
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