Notary & Commissioning
About This Practice
In Ontario, a commissioner of oaths witnesses you sign affidavits and statutory declarations, and administers oaths and affirmations. A notary public does all of that and more — certifying true copies of documents, preparing notarial certificates, and notarizing paperwork meant for use outside Ontario or outside Canada. We provide both services.
People come to us for everyday documents: statutory declarations, single-status or common-law affidavits, consent-to-travel letters for minors, power of attorney signings, pension and insurance forms, and certified true copies of passports, diplomas, and transcripts. If your document is headed to another province, an embassy, or overseas, you will usually need a notary rather than a commissioner.
One rule we follow strictly: notarization happens in person. A notary has to compare your original document to the copy face to face — it cannot be done over video. So bring the real thing, not a scan.
How We Work
Most appointments are quick. Bring current, government-issued photo ID (expired ID cannot be accepted), the original document for any certified copy, and your unsigned paperwork — you must sign in front of us, not before. We confirm what you actually need so you do not pay for a notary when a commissioner will do, and explain what each stamp does before you leave.
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Frequently Asked
It depends on where your document is going. If it only needs to be sworn or affirmed for use inside Ontario or Canada, a commissioner of oaths is usually enough. If you need a certified true copy, or the document is for use in another country, you will need a notary public.
Bring valid, unexpired government photo ID such as a passport or driver’s licence, and for some documents a second piece of ID. Bring the original document if you need a certified copy. Do not sign your affidavit or declaration beforehand — you must sign it in our presence.
Yes. As a notary public, we can confirm that a photocopy is a true and accurate copy of your original. You will need to bring the original document with you, since this comparison must be done in person and cannot be completed remotely.