Notarizing & Commissioning Services
Notarizing and commissioning are legal procedures used to authenticate documents or confirm that they were signed under oath or affirmation. These services are essential for a wide range of legal, financial, and administrative processes, both in Ontario and abroad. At GS Arora Law, we offer Notary and commissioning services that comply fully with Ontario's legal requirements.
What Is the Difference Between a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits?
In Ontario, both Notaries Public and Commissioners for Taking Affidavits are authorized to witness signatures, but their powers differ:
- A Commissioner for Taking Affidavits can administer oaths and take sworn statements for legal use within Ontario.
- A Notary Public has broader authority, including certifying true copies of documents, notarizing signatures for international use, and completing documents that require notarial seals.
All Ontario lawyers are automatically Commissioners and may also be appointed as Notaries Public under the Notaries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. N.6.
Commissioning Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
A commissioned document is one that has been sworn or affirmed in front of a Commissioner. Common examples include:
- Affidavits for court proceedings
- Statutory declarations for immigration, insurance, OSAP, or lost property
- Consent to travel letters for minors
- Change of name or common-law status declarations
Commissioning confirms the identity of the individual and the truthfulness of the statement, but does not verify the contents of the document.
Notarizing Documents and Certifying True Copies
A notarized document includes the seal and signature of a Notary Public and may be required in situations such as:
- Certifying true copies of passports, degrees, and identification
- Notarizing business documents for international transactions
- Witnessing signatures on power of attorney forms
- Verifying identity for real estate closings or banking purposes
A notary's role includes verifying the document signer's identity and confirming that they signed voluntarily.
Remote Commissioning in Ontario
Since 2020, Ontario permits remote commissioning of affidavits and statutory declarations under O. Reg. 431/20, provided that:
- Both parties are located in Ontario during the signing
- The Commissioner uses real-time video technology
- The Commissioner verifies identity and records the process
Remote commissioning does not apply to notarizing documents or certifying true copies, which must still be completed in person under current law.
Mobile and In-Office Services
GS Arora Law offers notarizing and commissioning:
- In-office – by appointment at our Toronto location
- Mobile – for hospitals, offices, seniors, or urgent needs
- Remote (video) – for eligible commissioned documents only
Our office ensures proper identification, form completion, and legal compliance for every appointment.
Common Legal Requirements in Ontario
Whether commissioning or notarizing, Ontario law requires:
- Presentation of valid government-issued photo ID
- Completion of jurats or declarations in the required form
- Use of official seals (for notarizations)
- Proper witnessing, where applicable (e.g., some powers of attorney require two independent witnesses)
Documents must be signed in the presence of the legal official (in-person or via video, where allowed). Pre-signed or incomplete documents will not be accepted.
Why Choose GS Arora Law
Our legal team provides professional notarizing and commissioning services with strict adherence to Ontario legal requirements. We offer flexible service options including in-office appointments, mobile services for those who cannot travel, and remote commissioning where permitted by law. Whether you need documents for court proceedings, international transactions, or personal matters, we ensure proper authentication and compliance for all your notarization and commissioning needs.
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