Notary and Commissioning

Notary and Commissioning is an important legal service involving the authentication or verification of documents. It is often used to facilitate legal transaction by verifying the authenticity of signatures or certify true copies of original documents.

Who is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is an individual with the legal authority to:

• Administer oaths and affirmations
• Witness the signing of important documents
• Certify copies of documents
• Prepare and verify affidavits and statutory declarations
• Authenticate documents for international use

Notaries in Ontario can be lawyers or paralegals who are appointed as notaries by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Who is a Commissioner of Oaths?

A Commissioner of Oaths is an individual authorized to administer oaths or affirmations for legal documents. They are responsible for verifying that the person signing the document swears or affirms that the information in the document is true. Commissioners of Oaths can be:

• Lawyers or paralegals
• Government officials
• Other individuals appointed by the Ministry of the Attorney General

When Do You Need Notary or Commissioning Services?

You may need notary or commissioning services for various legal and official matters, including:

• Affidavits and Statutory Declarations: These are sworn or affirmed statements that must be witnessed by a notary or commissioner.
• Travel Consent Letters: If a minor is traveling abroad without both parents, a notary may be needed to witness the signing of a travel consent letter.
• Certified Copies of Documents: When providing a copy of a document (e.g., passport, diploma), a notary can certify that the copy is a true reproduction of the original.
• Real Estate Transactions: Notarization is often required for real estate documents, such as deeds or mortgage papers, especially when dealing with out-of-province or international properties.
• Legal Documents for Use Abroad: Notarization is necessary when sending legal documents to another country, as foreign authorities typically recognize the authority of a notary public.