Can a notary certify a copy of my passport online?

No. A certified true copy requires the notary to compare the physical original with the copy, so this is an in-person appointment. We route it that way before you pay.

Do I need a notary or a commissioner for an affidavit?

For an affidavit used in Ontario, a commissioner is sufficient (and a notary can also do it). For documents going outside Ontario, a notary's seal is usually required, followed by authentication or an apostille.

What is a notarial certificate?

A separate certificate signed and sealed by the notary describing the act performed — for example certifying a true copy or the execution of a document. It's often the piece an apostille is attached to.

Is the apostille issued by the notary?

No. In Ontario the apostille is issued by Official Documents Services (or Global Affairs Canada for federal documents). The notary completes the notarial step first; we coordinate the filing.

Notary Public · Ontario

Notary public: what they do, and when you need one instead of a commissioner.

A notary public certifies true copies, witnesses signatures with a seal, issues notarial certificates and prepares documents for use outside Ontario. Those acts need the original in hand — so notarial acts are completed in person.

Check My Document Compare with commissioner of oaths

A professional and an older client discussing paperwork together in a bright office. — A thoughtful approachImportant documents. A human approach.

A notary public can

Certifies true copies against the original
Witnesses signatures and applies a notarial seal
Issues notarial certificates (e.g. for apostille)
Administers oaths and declarations (everything a commissioner does)

A notary public can't

Certify a copy without seeing the original
Apply a physical seal over video
Guarantee acceptance by a foreign authority
Give legal advice (unless also a lawyer)

Online?

Notarial acts that need the original examined or a seal applied are done in person. The oath-taking part of a notary's authority can be done by video where eligible.

Who holds the authority

In Ontario, lawyers may be appointed notaries public; non-lawyers can be appointed under the Notaries Act for the services and term of their appointment. In British Columbia, notaries are a regulated profession with a broader scope.

Which do I need?

Commissioner vs notary at a glance

You need to…	Commissioner	Notary public	Online in Ontario?
Swear an affidavit for court	Yes	Yes	Often — court rules decide acceptance
Make a statutory declaration	Yes	Yes	Yes, where eligible
Certify a true copy of a passport or diploma	No	Yes	No — original must be seen
Have a signature witnessed with a seal	No	Yes	No — in person
Use a document outside Ontario (apostille)	No	Yes, then ODS/GAC	Notarial step in person; filing coordinated
Sign a Will or Power of Attorney	Witnessing rules apply	Witnessing rules apply	Lawyer-supervised; province rules

Read the full guide: Commissioner of Oaths vs Notary Public: what's the difference?.

Services

Services performed by a notary public

In personCertified copyHave a notary certify a true copy of your original document — in person in Ontario.From $20.00 + taxCheck Availability In personIn-personMeet a commissioner or notary in person for a wet-ink signature and embossed seal.From $40.95 + taxBook In-Person Coordinated serviceApostilleDocument preparation, filing and courier handling for use outside Canada — Ontario documents through ODS, federal through Global Affairs Canada.From $99.00 + taxCheck My Document Online or in personWill & POASigning and witnessing of Wills and Powers of Attorney, supervised by a licensed lawyer.From $119.95 + taxRequest Will & POA Signing

FAQ

Notary Public questions

Jurat: The clause at the end of an affidavit stating when, where and before whom it was sworn or affirmed, completed and signed by the commissioner.
Deponent: The person who makes and swears or affirms an affidavit or declaration.
Oath / affirmation: An oath is a religious promise to tell the truth; an affirmation is a solemn non-religious promise. Both carry equal legal weight and perjury consequences.
Certified true copy: A photocopy that a notary has compared against an original document and certified as a true and complete reproduction.
Commissioning: The act of administering an oath, affirmation or declaration and completing the jurat so a document is properly sworn.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Acceptance of any document is always the receiving organization's decision. Prices shown exclude applicable tax unless stated.