How to Check the Status of Your Apostille (Ontario)

Check Apostille StatusAt Notaryspace, we know how important it is to make sure your apostille certificate is valid and properly issued.
If you have an Ontario apostille and you want to confirm its status, you can easily verify it online using the Ontario government’s validation tool.This page will walk you through:

  • What information you need
  • How to check the status step by step
  • What the results mean
  • How Notaryspace can help if you need support


Go to Apostille Validity Check

What You Need Before Checking the Apostille Status

Before you verify your apostille online, make sure you have the following details from the apostille certificate itself:

1. Apostille Number

  • Format example: 11-AA-AAAA-AAAA
  • You will find this number printed near the top-right area of the apostille.

2. Apostille Issue Date

  • Format: YYYY-MM-DD
  • This is the date the apostille was issued. It appears close to the apostille number and the signature/seal area.

Tip: Have the original apostille in front of you so you can copy the number and date exactly as shown.

Step-by-Step Guide to Verify an Ontario Apostille

Follow these steps to check the status of your Ontario apostille:

Step 1 – Open the Official Validity Check Page

Go to the Ontario government’s apostille validity tool:

https://www.officialdocuments.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en-US/validity-check/

Step 2 – Enter the Apostille Number

Type the apostille number exactly as it appears on your certificate, including all dashes.

Step 3 – Enter the Issue Date

Enter the issue date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.
Make sure the day, month, and year match what is printed on the apostille.

Step 4 – Submit the Information

Click the button to validate or check the status.
The system will then show whether the apostille is valid.

Understanding the Results

Result: Valid Apostille

If the system shows that the apostille is valid, this confirms that:

  • The certificate was properly issued by Ontario’s Official Documents Services (ODS), and
  • The apostille details match what is registered in their system.

You can usually proceed with using the document abroad (subject to any additional consular or local requirements
in the destination country).

Result: Not Found or Invalid

If the result shows “not found” or “invalid”, it may mean:

  • The apostille number was entered incorrectly
  • The date was entered in the wrong format
  • The apostille was not issued in Ontario
  • The certificate was issued before January 11, 2024 and cannot be verified online

If you are sure the details are correct and it still does not validate, you may need to contact Official Documents
Services directly or ask Notaryspace for assistance.

Apostilles Issued Before January 11, 2024

The online validity check tool only works for apostilles issued on or after January 11, 2024.

If your document was authenticated or apostilled before that date:

  • It may not appear in the online system
  • You cannot verify it through the web portal
  • You may need to contact Official Documents Services (ODS) directly for confirmation

Notaryspace can help you understand the status of older authentications and guide you on what to do next
(including re-issuance or additional legalization if needed).

Where to Find the Apostille Number and Issue Date

On a typical Ontario apostille:

  • The Apostille Number is usually located near the top-right of the certificate and is a combination
    of numbers and letters with dashes (for example: 11-AB-1234-5678).
  • The Issue Date is printed near the apostille number and the signature/seal area in the format
    YYYY-MM-DD.

On your website, you can upload a sample image of an Ontario apostille (with sensitive details redacted) and visually
highlight:

  • The apostille number with a circle or box
  • The issue date with a label or arrow

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the verification says “invalid” or “not found”?

First, carefully re-enter the apostille number and issue date exactly as printed on the certificate.
Check that you used the correct format and included the dashes.

If it still shows as invalid or not found, the apostille may:

  • Be from another jurisdiction
  • Have been issued before January 11, 2024
  • Require manual verification with Official Documents Services

You can contact Notaryspace and we can help review your document and advise on next steps.

Can I verify an apostille issued in another province or country?

No. The Ontario online validity check only works for apostilles issued by Ontario’s Official Documents Services.
If your apostille was issued in another province or country, you will need to use that jurisdiction’s
verification process.

Is the online verification result enough for foreign authorities?

Many foreign consulates, ministries, and organizations ask that applicants verify the apostille status before
submitting documents. The online result is usually used as a self-check for you and your representative.

However, each country may have its own additional requirements. Notaryspace can help you understand what is
required in your specific case.

What if I lost my apostille certificate?

If the original apostille certificate is lost, you may need to contact Official Documents Services to ask about
replacement or re-issuance options.

Notaryspace can guide you through this process and advise on whether a new notarization and apostille are needed.

Does Notaryspace provide apostille and legalization services?

Yes. Notaryspace assists with:

  • Notarization of documents
  • Apostille processing for Ontario-issued documents
  • Consular legalization for non-Hague countries
  • Certified true copies and document preparation
  • Guidance for immigration, education, business, and personal use abroad

You can contact us online or visit our Mississauga office for assistance.

Need Help With Apostille or Legalization?

If you are unsure about your apostille status, or you need help notarizing and legalizing your documents for use
outside Canada, Notaryspace is here to help.

We assist clients across Ontario with:

  • Notarization
  • Apostille processing
  • Consulate legalization
  • Certified true copies
  • Immigration and legal documentation

Office: 6700 Century Ave – 3rd Floor, Suite 318, Mississauga, ON
Service area: In-person and online services across Ontario.

Book an Appointment with Notaryspace