Using a BC Marriage Certificate Overseas: What Is BC Authentication (Apostille)?
- Vancity Officiant Team
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
If you were legally married in British Columbia, Canada, and need to use your marriage certificate overseas (for immigration, name change, or official registration), you may be asked to complete a process called BC Authentication, also known as Apostille.
This guide focuses specifically on BC Marriage Certificates, explaining what the process is, when it is required, and what international couples should know in practice.
When Do You Need BC Authentication?
In general, BC Authentication (Apostille) is required when your BC Marriage Certificate is used for official purposes outside of Canada, such as:
Immigration or spousal visa applications
Registering a marriage in your home country
Legal name changes
Overseas government, banking, or insurance matters
Most overseas authorities require proof that your Canadian marriage document is an official and authentic government record.
What Is BC Authentication / Apostille?
BC Authentication is an official document verification process provided by the Government of British Columbia.
Since 2024, Canada has joined the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning that once your BC Marriage Certificate is authenticated, it will be issued with an Apostille certificate. For most member countries, this Apostille is sufficient and no additional embassy or consulate legalization is required.
For official government information, please refer to the BC Government guide:
Process Overview (Marriage Certificate Only)
This simplified process applies specifically to BC Marriage Certificates.
Step 1 – Obtain the official marriage certificate
You must have the original Marriage Certificate issued by BC Vital Statistics.
Step 2 – Confirm overseas requirements
Check with your local government office or embassy to confirm whether Apostille is accepted.
Step 3 – Submit to BC Authentication Program
Complete the BC Authentication Request Form and mail your certificate to the BC government office in Victoria.
Step 4 – Receive the Apostille
Once processed, your authenticated certificate will be returned to you for overseas use.
Processing time usually takes several weeks, excluding mailing time.
Practical Experience (For International Couples)
Based on our experience working with overseas couples, a common and practical approach is:
After receiving the first original BC Marriage Certificate overseas, couples may order a second original copy directly from BC Vital Statistics and mail that copy back to Canada.
We then assist in submitting the document to the BC Authentication Program, and request the government office to mail the Apostille-certified certificate directly back to the couple’s overseas address.
This method is especially useful for couples who are no longer physically in Canada.
Important Note: Requirements Vary by Country
Document requirements differ from country to country. Before applying for BC Authentication, we strongly recommend that couples first confirm with their local authorities or embassy whether additional steps are required, such as:
Official translation
Notarization
Additional local registration
Our support focuses specifically on the BC Authentication / Apostille process for BC Marriage Certificates. Any additional country-specific procedures should be arranged directly with the relevant overseas authorities.
Need Help With Your BC Marriage Certificate?
If you are living overseas and need to use your BC Marriage Certificate for official purposes, we can help assess whether BC Authentication (Apostille) is the appropriate solution for your situation.
You may contact us with your country of residence and intended use, and we will advise whether this process applies to you, along with practical next steps and related arrangements.
