Preparing B.C. Registries and Online Services Documents for Authentication

Last updated on January 11, 2024

These include original documents issued by B.C. Registries and Online Services (formerly B.C. Corporate Registry):

  • Notice of Articles
  • Incorporation Certificate
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Certificate of Change of Name
  • Statement of Registration of General Partnership or Sole Proprietorship
  • Certificate of Status
  • Certified True Copy

If the document does not have a raised seal imprint (because it was purchased online or otherwise), please enclose a copy of the online receipt or a printed screenshot of the proof of payment with the original document.

Your original B.C. Registries and Online Services document must be notarized if either:

  • It does not have a raised seal imprint and you do not have the receipt or proof of payment
  • The document does not have the Registrar's signature on it anywhere

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Contact the embassy or consulate to determine what is needed.
  2. If documents must be notarized before authentication, email BCAuthentication@gov.bc.ca to find out which B.C. Notaries Public (B.C. lawyers or B.C. non-lawyers) are already on file with our office.
  3. All authentication requests sent to the B.C. Authentication Program at the Order in Council (OIC) Administration Office must include a signed and dated B.C. Document Authentication Request form and all applicable fees.
  4. See Submitting your Documents for Authentication for instructions on how to complete the B.C. Document Authentication Request form online. In the form, select "BC Registries and Online Services Documents" as the document type you are submitting.
  5. If you would like documents returned by courier to your address or a different address, please follow all instructions for Return Mail Service.
  6. Mail or courier to the B.C. Authentication Program *Reminder that there is no walk-in, drop off or while-you-wait service.

See below for sample images of B.C. Registries and Online Services Documents:

Certificate of Incorporation

Sample image of certificate of incorporation issued by BC Registries and Online Services

Certificate of Good Standing

Sample image of certificate of good standing issued by BC Registries and Online Services

Certificate of Change of Name

Sample image of certificate of business name change issued by BC Registries and Online Services

Notice of Articles Certified True Copy (page one)

Sample image of notice of articles certified true copy page one issued by BC Registries and Online Services

Notice of Articles Certified True Copy (page two)

Sample image of notice of articles certified true copy page two issued by BC Registries and Online Services

Useful Contacts

Email: BCAuthentication@gov.bc.ca

Mail/Courier Address:

Ministry of Attorney General
OIC Administration Office
Attention: BC Authentication Program
1001 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC V8W 2C5