apostille by official documents services

How to Get an Apostille Certificate from the Official Documents Services (ODS)

If you have a document issued or signed in Ontario, Canada, and need to use it abroad, you’ll likely need an Apostille certificate. In Ontario, the government agency responsible for issuing Apostille certificates is known as Official Documents Services (ODS). Navigating this process can be complicated, but with our specialized Apostille services, we make it simple and efficient for you.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about obtaining an Apostille certificate through Official Documents Services and how our services can assist you from start to finish.

What is Official Documents Services?

Official Documents Services (ODS) is the government agency in Ontario responsible for authenticating and issuing Apostille certificates for documents. These certificates confirm that your document is genuine and has been verified by the appropriate authority, making it legally valid for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your document needs to be presented in a foreign country—whether it’s a birth certificate, marriage certificate, educational document, power of attorney, corporate papers, or legal affidavit—Official Documents Services ensures that the document is recognized abroad.

How Our Apostille Services Work

At our Apostille service, we handle the entire process for you, ensuring that your document is properly prepared, notarized (if needed), and Apostilled. Here’s a detailed look at how our process works:

1. Consultation: The first step is to contact us to discuss your Apostille requirements. During this consultation, we’ll assess the type of document you need to Apostille and determine whether notarization or translation is necessary. It’s crucial to understand the destination country’s requirements, as this will guide whether you need to submit an original document or a certified copy.

2. Notarization: If notarization is required, we handle it in-house through our professional, licensed notary public. Notarization is often a necessary step, especially for documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits, and other legal papers, to ensure their authenticity before submission to Official Documents Services.

3. Submission to Official Documents Services: Once your document is prepared and notarized, we then submit it to Official Documents Services (ODS) to obtain the Apostille certificate. Our team is experienced in handling ODS procedures, ensuring that your document is processed efficiently and accurately.

Why Choose Our Apostille Services?

The process of obtaining an Apostille certificate can be confusing and time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Apostille process requirements. By choosing our service, you benefit from:

Professional Guidance: We guide you through each step, from determining if notarization or translation is needed to ensuring that your document meets all the requirements set by ODS.
In-House Notarization: Our licensed notaries provide quick and efficient notarization services, eliminating the need for you to find a notary separately.
Hassle-Free Process: We handle the Apostille process from start to finish, ensuring your document is processed correctly and promptly.
Fast Turnaround: Our team’s expertise ensures a swift processing time, so you receive your Apostille certificate as soon as possible.

Importance of Contacting Us in Advance

It’s crucial to consult with us ahead of time regarding your Apostille requirements. Depending on the nature of your document and the requirements of the foreign authority, you may need either the original document or a certified copy. Here’s how we manage both options:

Apostilling a Certified Copy: If you prefer to keep your original document, we can Apostille a certified copy. We handle the certification and notarization of this copy in-house, ensuring it meets all necessary standards for Apostille through ODS.
Apostilling the Original Document: In some cases, the foreign authority may specifically require the original document to be Apostilled. We can handle this process as well, ensuring your original document is returned to you with the Apostille certificate attached.

By consulting with us, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that your document is properly prepared for Apostille certification through ODS.

Common Documents We Apostille Through the Official Documents Services

Regardless of the type of document you need Apostilled, we ensure that it is handled professionally and efficiently with Official Documents Services.
We assist with obtaining Apostille certificates for a variety of documents, including but not limited to:

– Birth and death certificates
– Marriage certificates
– Educational degrees, diplomas, and transcripts
– Powers of attorney
– Legal affidavits and contracts
– Corporate documents

How Long Does the Apostille Process Take with Official Documents Services?

The time we take to obtain an Apostille certificate through ODS can vary depending on the type of document and its specific requirements. Typically, our services ensure a 2-3 day turnaround, but we always recommend contacting us in advance to discuss any urgent needs or deadlines.

For those who require expedited services, we offer rush options to ensure your document is Apostilled as quickly as possible.

Contact Us

Getting an Apostille certificate for your Ontario-issued documents can be a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing our Apostille services, you benefit from a streamlined process that handles every step, from consultation and notarization to obtaining the Apostille certificate through ODS.

We make the Apostille process simple, efficient, and stress-free, ensuring that your documents are ready for international use without any unnecessary delays. Contact us today through:

Phone: +1 (416) 731-9023
WhatsApp: +1 (289) 981-1236
Email: [email protected]