Authentications

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is not responsible for the processing of documents requiring authentication.  

Please direct all queries regarding authentication to the Department of Justice at authentications@novascotia.ca.

How do I get a certificate authenticated by the Lieutenant-Governor?

Notarized documents needing authentication can either be delivered in person (drop-off) to:

Department of Justice, Legal Services Division
1690 Hollis Street
Joseph Howe Building
Halifax, NS B3J 1V7
Attention: Authentication Services

Or by mail to:

Department of Justice, Legal Services Division
PO Box 7
Halifax, NS B3J 1T0
Attention: Authentication Services

 

The Department of Justice will check their records to determine that the person that has notarized the documents is a Notary for the Province of Nova Scotia. The document will then be sent to the Lieutenant Governor, who will authenticate that the person who notarized the document is a Notary. The document is then stamped with the Seal of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and is considered authenticated.

When sending documents to the Department, please include a contact name and phone number where you can be reached during normal business hours.

What kind of documents need authentication?

A variety of documents (e.g. notary, powers of attorney, death/birth certificates) requested by consulates, embassies and foreign governments may require authentication.

Can you give me advice on what I need to do?

The Department of Justice cannot provide legal advice. You must find out exactly what you need from your notary, lawyer or the consulate or embassy with whom you are dealing.

How long does it take?

Allow up to ten (10) business days for processing.

How much does it cost?

The fee for authentication is $26.50 cash, cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance and must be paid before the authenticated document is delivered.  If you are paying by cash, you must provide the exact amount.  No change is provided.

How are the documents returned to me?

You can arrange to pick up the documents in person at the offices of the Department of Justice (after the Department notifies you that they are ready) or have them mailed to you via regular mail.  The Department of Justice does not track any documents sent via regular mail and expressly denies any responsibility for any documents that may be lost or damaged when sent through regular mail.

If you cannot collect the documents at the Department and you need them immediately, please include a pre-paid self-addressed method of returning them to you.  You must provide payment for the authentication before the authenticated documents will be provided to you.

Where I can get further information?

Please direct all queries regarding authentications to the Department of Justice at authentications@novascotia.ca.