Apostille for Canada
Canada has accepted apostilles since January 11, 2024. Apostille Authentications prepares state and FBI apostilles for U.S. documents going to Canada, by mail and courier from all 50 states.
Canada Accepts Apostilles
The Hague Apostille Convention took effect for Canada on January 11, 2024. Before that date, U.S. documents for Canada went through authentication and consular legalization. Now a single apostille is enough for public documents.
The office in Canada that receives your document can still set its own requirements, such as how recent the document must be, so confirm those before you file.
How to Get a U.S. Document Apostilled for Canada
- Get the right version of the document. Vital records need a certified copy; private documents such as powers of attorney must be notarized.
- Send it to the correct authority. State documents go to the Secretary of State of the issuing state. Federal documents, including FBI background checks, go to the U.S. Department of State.
- Receive the apostille. The document is then ready to send to Canada.
Documents We Apostille for Canada
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- FBI background checks
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Powers of attorney and single status affidavits
- Business and corporate documents
See all apostille services and the list of apostille countries.
Canada Apostille Pricing and Turnaround
| Service | Our fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| State apostille | From $195; additional documents $65 each, plus the state fee | About 10 business days, depending on state delays |
| FBI apostille | $195 | 5+ weeks (regular U.S. Department of State processing) |
| Expedited FBI apostille | $390 | 10 business days |
Notary and translation fees are separate. See full apostille pricing.
Canada Apostille FAQ
Does Canada accept apostilles?
Yes. The Hague Apostille Convention took effect for Canada on January 11, 2024. U.S. public documents with an apostille no longer need consular legalization.
Who issues an apostille for a document going to Canada?
The Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued or notarized apostilles state documents. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
How long does an apostille for Canada take?
A state apostille takes about 10 business days, depending on state delays. A regular FBI apostille takes 5+ weeks, and our expedited FBI apostille takes 10 business days.
How much does an apostille for Canada cost?
Our fee for a state apostille starts at $195, with additional documents at $65 each plus the state fee. An FBI apostille is $195, or $390 expedited.
Do I need a translation for Canada?
Documents in English are usually accepted. Some offices, particularly in Quebec, may ask for a French translation, so ask the office receiving your document. We provide certified translation as a separate service.