Notary public in Ontario
A notary public can certify true copies, witness signatures, administer oaths and affirmations, and issue notarial certificates — including for documents used outside Ontario. Here is what a notary does and what can be done online versus in person.
Can a notary public notarize my document online in Ontario?
We confirm what applies.Notaries Act
A notary certifies true copies, witnesses signatures, administers oaths and affirmations, and issues notarial certificates. Oaths and declarations can be commissioned by video where eligible; certified copies and general witnessing are done in person.
- Certified true copies
- Signature witnessing
- Apostille preparation
- In-person where required
How notarial acts work
For a certified copy, the notary examines the physical original and certifies the copy. For witnessing, the notary observes the signing. Both are in person; oaths and declarations may be done by video where eligible.
For use abroad: Documents going outside Canada 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 a notary public can do
- Certify a true copy of an original document
- Witness a signature and issue a notarial certificate
- Administer oaths, affirmations and declarations
- Prepare documents for use outside Canada (apostille or legalization)
Online or in person?
Oaths, affirmations and statutory declarations can be commissioned by secure video under O. Reg. 431/20 where the document is eligible. Certifying a true copy requires the notary to examine the physical original, and general signature witnessing requires the notary to observe the signing — so those are done at an in-person appointment. We confirm which applies before you book.
Notary or commissioner — which do I need?
If you only need an oath, affirmation or declaration on a document used in Ontario, a commissioner of oaths can help. If you need a certified true copy, a notarial certificate, or a document for use abroad, you need a notary public.
General information only — not legal advice. Acceptance of a notarized document is always the receiving institution’s decision.
Notary public — common questions
What does a notary public do in Ontario?▾
A notary public can witness signatures, certify true copies, administer oaths and affirmations, and issue notarial certificates, including for documents used outside Ontario.
Can a notary public notarize my document online?▾
Oaths, affirmations and declarations can be commissioned by video under O. Reg. 431/20 where eligible. Certifying a true copy and general signature witnessing require the notary to see the original or the signing in person, so those are done at an in-person appointment.
What is the difference between a notary public and a commissioner of oaths?▾
A commissioner administers oaths, affirmations and declarations for documents used in Ontario. A notary public can do that and also certify true copies, witness signatures and issue notarial certificates, including for documents used abroad.
Can a notary help with a document going outside Canada?▾
Yes. Documents for foreign use often need a notary's signature and seal and a later apostille or authentication and legalization. We prepare the notarial step and explain the apostille process for your destination.
Does a notary public confirm my document is legally valid?▾
No. A notary performs the notarial act — for example certifying that a copy matches an original. Whether a court, government or foreign authority accepts the document is their decision, not the notary's.
More general questions are answered on our FAQ page.