In-person notarization
Meet a commissioner in person for a wet-ink signature and embossed seal.
Can I have a signature witnessed online in Ontario?
We confirm this with you.
Witnessing a signature requires the professional to observe the signing in person, so general signature witnessing and notarial authentication are done at an in-person appointment. We confirm the format for your document before you book.
- In-person appointment
- Wet-ink signature
- Government photo ID
How it works with enotarypublic
You bring the unsigned document and photo ID to a GTA office. The notary or witness observes the signing and applies the seal.
Foreign use: Documents for use abroad often need a notary's seal and a later apostille or legalization, and many institutions require wet ink.
General legal information for Ontario residents, not formal legal advice.
What is this service?
Some institutions or foreign authorities require a physical (wet-ink) signature and an embossed seal on the original paper document. In-person notarization is an appointment at an office where a notary public witnesses and seals your document by hand.
Common uses
- Documents requiring an original wet seal
- Certain embassy or consulate submissions
- Land registry and some financial documents
- Where an institution rejects electronic formats
How it works
- 1
Book an appointment
Choose an office and time (placeholders).
- 2
Attend in person
Bring your ID and the original document.
- 3
Witness & seal
The notary public witnesses or certifies your document and applies their seal.
- 4
Take it with you
Leave with the certified original.
What you’ll need
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- The original paper document
- Any exhibits referenced in the document
Included
- Embossed raised seal
- Downtown Toronto & Mississauga hubs
- Original paper copy certified
- Apostille prep assistance
General information only — this is not legal advice. Whether a document can be completed online depends on the specific document and the receiving institution; we confirm this before you book.
Common in-person notarization situations
Wet-ink signature & embossed seal
An original signature and raised seal on paper, in person.
Embassy & consulate documents
Wet-seal documents for foreign missions.
Real-estate signing documents
Witnessing and notarizing real-estate paperwork.
Original document examination
In-person review of originals before notarization.
Land & registry documents
Wet-seal documents for property and registry matters.
Original wet-ink signatures
Documents that must carry a physical original seal.
In-person notarization — common questions
When do I need in-person notarization?▾
When an institution or foreign authority requires a wet-ink signature and an embossed seal on the original, or for services that cannot be done by video — such as general signature witnessing and certified true copies.
What do I bring to the appointment?▾
Valid government-issued photo ID, the original document, and any exhibits referenced in it.
Do I sign before I arrive?▾
No. In most cases you sign in front of the commissioner or notary, who witnesses the signing and applies the seal.
Can you help with an apostille afterward?▾
Yes. Documents for use abroad often need an apostille or authentication and legalization after the notarial step, and we can prepare that.
More general questions are answered on our FAQ page.