Authentication/Certification of Signature
The certification of the signature is the "simpler" form (as opposed to the full notarization of a document). By certifying the signature the consular officer confirms that the person indicated in the document signed it in front of him. The signature has to be given in person in the presence of the consular officer or has to be acknowledged in his presence. No advice about the legal meaning of the document to be signed is provided.
In many cases, the signature certification is sufficient for the document to become effective.
Some examples:
- life certificate for German pensions
- application for a certificate of good conduct (=police clearance)
- declaration of renouncement of succession ("Ausschlagung einer Erbschaft")
- declaration of approval ("Genehmigungserklärung"): declaration by which a person approves a declaration / contract signed earlier on his behalf by somebody else
- "simple" power of attorney ("Vollmacht"): power of attorney relating to everyday legal transactions or business, e.g. revocable power of attorney for a specific legal transaction
- trade register entry
To get your signature certified, please bring with you:
| - the document to be signed |
| - for declarations of appoval: the contract which has been signed earlier in Germany |
| - a valid official photo-ID (passport, driver's license) |
| - if you are not acting on your own behalf, but on behalf of e.g. a company, a ward, etc., please bring a document (original or certified copy) stating your power of attorney for the company / person, etc. |
The fee for the signature certification depends on the value of the legal transaction for which the document is needed and ranges between €20.00 and €250.00. The fee is converted into C$ according to the daily exchange rate at the German mission.
Signature certifications can be done at the competent German mission or by a German Honorary Consul, but they are usually also recognized under German law if done by a Canadian notary public. Please make sure in advance that the German authority, to which the document shall be presented, does accept this procedure. Authorities in Germany may request a legalization in addition to the signature certification done by a Canadian notary public.
