[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/cloud03.titletapsites.com\/testblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/03\/Notary-Public-CA.png” alt=”Intellectual Property Law Blog Header” title_text=”Notary Public CA” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.18.0″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ toggle_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” toggle_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” toggle_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” closed_toggle_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” closed_toggle_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” closed_toggle_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is the difference between a Notary Public and a Commissioner of Oaths?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
While both roles involve witnessing signatures, their authority levels differ significantly. A Commissioner of Oaths is authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits or statutory declarations, but their power is generally limited to documents staying within the province.<\/p>\n
A Notary Public has all the powers of a commissioner but with an expanded scope. <\/p>\n
A Notary can:<\/p>\n
In Canada, all paralegals are automatically Commissioners of Oaths by virtue of their license, but they must specifically apply to the Ministry of the Attorney General to become a Notary Public. If your document is going to another country, you almost certainly require a Notary rather than just a Commissioner.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is a %22Certified True Copy%22 and how do I get one? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
A Certified True Copy is a photocopy of an original document that a Notary Public has verified as an exact and complete reproduction of the original. This is common for sensitive items like birth certificates, diplomas, or passports where you cannot part with the original.<\/p>\n
To obtain one, you must bring the original physical document to your appointment. The Notary will:<\/p>\n
Please note that a Notary cannot certify a “copy of a copy.” They must see the original issued by the primary authority to provide a valid certification. Additionally, some government documents (like certain Canadian birth certificates) may have restrictions on being copied; always check with the receiving institution first.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can I have my documents notarized or commissioned online? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Yes, Remote Commissioning has become a permanent and legal option in most Canadian provinces. This allows you to sign affidavits and statutory declarations via secure video conferencing platforms. During a remote session, the Commissioner verifies your identity on-screen, watches you sign the document electronically or physically, and then applies their own digital signature and seal.<\/p>\n
However, there are strict limitations to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
Always confirm with the recipient if they accept “remotely commissioned” documents before booking a virtual appointment.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does a Notary Public verify that the information in my document is true? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
No. This is a common misunderstanding. The role of a Notary or Commissioner is to verify the identity of the signer and ensure the signature was given voluntarily under oath or affirmation.<\/p>\n
When you “swear” an affidavit, you are the one attesting to the truth of the contents. The Notary\u2019s job is to:<\/p>\n
The Notary does not provide legal advice on the document content, nor do they “vouch” for the accuracy of your statements. You remain legally responsible for everything written in the document you sign.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What identification do I need to bring to my appointment? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
To comply with provincial regulations and prevent fraud, a Notary must verify your identity using valid, government-issued photo identification.<\/p>\n
Acceptable forms of ID typically include:<\/p>\n
Most Notaries require one piece of photo ID, but it is best practice to bring a second piece (such as a credit card or birth certificate) just in case. The ID must be current\u2014expired identification cannot be accepted. If your document requires multiple signers, every person must appear before the Notary and present their own valid ID at the time of signing.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is an %22Affidavit of Execution%22 for a Will or Power of Attorney? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
While a Will or Power of Attorney in Canada does not technically need to be notarized to be legally valid, it is standard practice to have one of the witnesses sign an Affidavit of Execution in front of a Notary or Commissioner.<\/p>\n
This affidavit is a sworn statement by a witness confirming that they saw you sign your document in the presence of the required number of witnesses. This is a vital “probate” document used after a person passes away. Without it, the court may require the original witnesses to be found to testify that the Will is genuine\u2014which can be difficult or impossible decades later. Having the affidavit commissioned at the time the Will is signed saves an estate significant time, stress, and legal costs in the future.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What does it mean to %22Apostille%22 or %22Authenticate%22 a document? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
If you are sending a Canadian document abroad, the foreign country may require it to be authenticated and legalized (now commonly referred to as an Apostille since Canada joined the Hague Convention).<\/p>\n
This is a multi-step process:<\/p>\n
As of early 2024, Canada has simplified this process by adopting the Apostille Convention, meaning many documents only need one government certificate to be recognized in over 120 countries. If you are unsure if your document needs this, contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can a Notary refuse to sign my document? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Yes. A Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths has the professional discretion to refuse service under certain circumstances. Common reasons for refusal include:<\/p>\n
To ensure a smooth process, always wait to sign until the Notary instructs you to do so during your meeting.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is a %22Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor%22 for a passport? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]If you are applying for a Canadian passport but do not have a qualified guarantor (someone who has known you for two years and meets specific professional or status requirements), you must complete a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 132). <\/p>\n
This form must be sworn and signed in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths. Unlike a standard guarantor, the Notary does not need to have known you for two years; they are simply witnessing your sworn statement that the information in your application is true. Note that this specific form is usually only available from a Passport Canada office or via their website and involves an extra level of scrutiny by the passport office. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can a paralegal\/notary help me draft the document I need signed? ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
It depends on the document. While a Notary’s primary role is to witness and seal, many paralegals offer drafting services for common documents like:<\/p>\n
However, if the document requires specialized legal advice\u2014such as a complex commercial contract, a separation agreement, or an intricate estate plan\u2014the Notary may refer you to a lawyer. It is important to distinguish between “notarizing” (witnessing) and “legal drafting” (creating). If you need a document created from scratch, mention this when booking so the paralegal can prepare the draft before your signing appointment.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Th<\/span>ese FAQs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>are <\/span>for general informational purposes only and <\/span>are<\/span> not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Notary Public Law \u00a0 While both roles involve witnessing signatures, their authority levels differ significantly. A Commissioner of Oaths is authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits or statutory declarations, but their power is generally limited to documents staying within the province. A Notary Public has all the powers of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":233,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14004","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-notary-public-law-ca"],"yoast_head":"\n