Professional License Notarization: Verifying Your Credentials for International Use | Minute Notary Blog | Minute Notary
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January 12, 202510 min read
Professional License Notarization: Verifying Your Credentials for International Use
Learn how to get your professional licenses, certifications, and credentials notarized for use in other provinces or countries. Complete guide for doctors, engineers, nurses, and other professionals.
MN
Minutes Notary
Notary Public • Ottawa, ON
When you've worked hard to earn professional credentials, you need those qualifications to be recognized wherever your career takes you. Whether you're a nurse planning to work in the Middle East, an engineer seeking opportunities in Europe, or a teacher applying for positions abroad, notarizing your professional licenses is often a critical step in the credential verification process.
This comprehensive guide covers everything professionals need to know about notarizing licenses, certifications, and other credentials for use outside your licensing jurisdiction.
Why Professional License Notarization Matters
Professional licenses are regulated at the provincial or state level, which means your credentials may not be automatically recognized elsewhere. Notarization serves as verification that your documents are authentic, making it easier for foreign employers, regulatory bodies, and governments to trust your qualifications.
The Purpose of Notarization for Professional Documents
Purpose
Description
Authentication
Confirms the document is genuine and unaltered
Identity Verification
Links the credential to the correct individual
Legal Standing
Provides documents with legal weight in other jurisdictions
Lawyers and legal professionals may need notarization for:
Law society membership certificates
Good standing letters
Bar admission documents
Legal specialization certifications
Practice history documentation
Education Professionals
Teachers and educators require credential verification for:
Teaching certificates/licenses
Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) registration
Principal and supervisory qualifications
Additional qualification certificates
Criminal record checks (Vulnerable Sector)
First aid and CPR certifications
Financial Professionals
Accountants, financial advisors, and related professionals may need:
CPA designation documents
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificates
Securities licenses
Insurance licenses
Audit certifications
Good standing letters from professional bodies
Trades and Skilled Workers
Tradespeople seeking international opportunities often need:
Certificate of Qualification
Journeyperson certificates
Red Seal endorsements
Safety certifications (WHMIS, Fall Protection, etc.)
Equipment operator licenses
The Notarization Process for Professional Credentials
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before your notary appointment, collect:
Original Documents:
Professional license or registration certificate
Good standing letter from regulatory body (recent, within 3-6 months)
Government-issued photo ID
Any supplementary certifications
Copies to Be Certified:
Clear photocopies of each document
Color copies (if required by destination country)
Multiple copies (some countries require 2-3 certified copies)
Step 2: Request Good Standing Letters
Most international employers and regulatory bodies require recent letters confirming your professional standing:
Professional Body
How to Request
Processing Time
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Online portal
5-10 business days
College of Nurses of Ontario
Written request
7-14 business days
Professional Engineers Ontario
Online or phone
3-5 business days
Ontario College of Teachers
Online portal
5-7 business days
Law Society of Ontario
Written request
10-15 business days
Step 3: Notarization Appointment
What happens during your appointment:
Document review: Notary examines originals for authenticity
Identity verification: Present government-issued photo ID
Certified copy creation: Notary certifies copies match originals
Notarial certificate: Official statement attached or stamped
Seal and signature: Notary's official seal applied
Step 4: Authentication and Apostille (If Required)
For international use, additional steps may be needed:
Apostille Countries (Hague Convention members):
Single authentication from Global Affairs Canada
Recognized by 120+ countries
Processing time: 10-20 business days
Non-Apostille Countries:
Authentication by Global Affairs Canada
Legalization by destination country's embassy/consulate
Processing time: Varies by country (2-8 weeks)
Country-Specific Requirements
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is a popular destination for Canadian healthcare professionals:
Required documents:
Notarized copies of degrees and transcripts
Notarized professional licenses
Good standing letter (not older than 3 months)
Police clearance certificate
Passport copies
Additional requirements:
All documents must be attested by UAE embassy
Some professions require equivalency assessment
Arabic translation may be required
United Kingdom
For professionals seeking UK registration:
Healthcare professionals:
Notarized license copies
Certificate of Good Standing
English language proficiency proof
Identity documents
Engineering professionals:
Notarized P.Eng. documentation
Academic transcripts
Experience records
Australia
Australia has specific requirements for skilled migrants:
Skills assessment:
Notarized copies of all qualifications
Detailed employment references
Statutory declarations of experience
Character references
Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain)
Common requirements across Gulf countries:
All documents notarized and attested
Embassy legalization required
Recent good standing letters essential
Medical examinations often required
Special Considerations by Profession
Healthcare Credential Verification
Healthcare regulatory bodies often have specific document requirements:
For physicians:
Medical degree (notarized copy)
Internship/residency certificates
Specialty certifications
Current license
Malpractice history letter
Continuing medical education records
For nurses:
Nursing degree/diploma
Registration certificate
Good standing letter
Specialty certifications
Recent practice verification
Engineering Credential Recognition
International engineering credential recognition typically requires:
Washington Accord countries (US, UK, Australia, etc.):
Streamlined recognition process
Focus on academic equivalency
Professional experience documentation
Non-Washington Accord countries:
Full credential assessment required
May need competency examinations
Detailed project documentation
Teaching Credential Portability
Teachers moving internationally should prepare:
Notarized teaching certificates
Criminal record checks
Teaching experience letters
Curriculum specializations
Professional development records
Cost Breakdown for Professional Credential Notarization
Service
Typical Cost
Notarization per document
$25-50
Certified true copies
$20-40 each
Statutory declarations
$45-75
Rush service
+$25-50
Global Affairs Canada authentication
$35 per document
Embassy legalization
$50-300+ (varies by country)
Estimated total for complete credential package:
Apostille countries: $200-500
Non-apostille countries: $400-1,000+
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Expired Credentials
Problem: License expired or lapsed during career break
Solutions:
Obtain letter explaining status from regulatory body
Provide history of licensure
Include reinstatement eligibility documentation
Challenge 2: Name Changes
Problem: Documents issued under different name (maiden name, legal name change)
Solutions:
Notarize name change documentation
Include marriage certificate or legal name change order
Have regulatory body issue letter linking names
Challenge 3: Missing Original Documents
Problem: Cannot locate original license or certificate
Solutions:
Request replacement from issuing body
Obtain certified copy from regulatory authority
Get letter of verification instead of certificate
Challenge 4: Language Requirements
Problem: Destination country requires translated documents
Solutions:
Use certified translators for official translations
Have translations notarized
Some countries require specific accredited translators
Preparing for International Credential Recognition
Research Your Destination
Before beginning the process:
Identify the regulatory body in your destination country
Review specific requirements for your profession
Check document age limits (many require recent letters)
Understand language requirements
Calculate processing timelines
Create a Document Checklist
Develop a comprehensive checklist including:
All academic credentials (degrees, diplomas)
Professional licenses and registrations
Good standing letters (dated appropriately)
Criminal record checks
Identity documents
Employment verification letters
Continuing education records
Specialty certifications
Plan for Processing Times
Build realistic timelines:
Step
Estimated Time
Gathering documents
2-4 weeks
Obtaining good standing letters
1-3 weeks
Notarization
Same day - 1 week
Authentication (Global Affairs)
2-3 weeks
Embassy legalization
2-8 weeks
Total (non-apostille)
7-18 weeks
Maintaining Your Credentials
Regular Updates
Keep your professional documents current:
Renew licenses before expiry dates
Update certifications as required
Maintain continuing education records
Keep copies of all professional documents
Track registration numbers and dates
Digital Backup
Create secure digital copies:
Scan all original documents
Store in secure cloud storage
Keep notarized copies separate from originals
Update digital files when credentials renew
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize an electronic license?
Many regulatory bodies now issue electronic licenses. You can typically print the official document and have that copy notarized, along with verification of the digital source.
How long is a notarized credential valid?
The notarization itself doesn't expire, but many countries and employers require documents to be recently notarized (within 6-12 months) to ensure current status.
Do I need to notarize every page of a multi-page certificate?
Best practice is to notarize the complete document as a single unit, with pages numbered or bound together under one notarial certificate.
What if my profession doesn't require licensing in Canada but does abroad?
You may need to provide alternative documentation such as:
Educational credentials
Employment verification
Professional association memberships
Statutory declarations of experience
Related Notary Services
Minutes Notary provides comprehensive services for professional credential notarization:
Certified Copies: Authentic copies of your licenses and certifications
Your professional qualifications represent years of education, training, and experience. Proper notarization ensures those credentials are recognized and respected wherever your career takes you.
Professional Credential Notarization Services
Contact Minutes Notary to schedule your appointment. We understand the importance of accurate, timely credential verification and provide efficient service for professionals pursuing opportunities at home and abroad.
This article is for informational purposes only. Requirements vary by destination country and profession. Always verify current requirements with the relevant regulatory bodies and embassies before beginning the credential verification process.
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