Guides that end with a next step.
Plain-language explanations of the documents people are told to "get notarized" — and, at the end of each one, a way to check whether you can complete it online.
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Articles
Mon, Jan 19, 2026 · International & online
Remote commissioning in Ontario: what you can and can’t do by video
Ontario allows many oaths, affidavits and declarations to be commissioned by video. Here’s the plain-language version of what the rules do and don’t cover.
ReadSun, Jan 12, 2025 · International & online
One year of the Apostille Convention in Canada: what changed for Ontarians
Canada’s membership in the Hague Apostille Convention took effect on 11 January 2024. A year on, here’s what it means for documents leaving Ontario.
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Guides
Basics
- Affidavit vs. statutory declarationTwo similar-looking sworn documents — and when each one is used.Related: Affidavit
- Commissioner of Oaths vs Notary Public: what's the difference?Both can take your oath — but only one can certify copies and prepare documents for use outside Ontario. Here's how to know which you need.Related: Online commissioning
- Documents that usually can’t be commissioned online — and whyOnline commissioning covers a lot, but not everything. Here are the common documents that still need an in-person appointment, and the reason.Related: Online commissioning
- Things you should know about notarizationA plain-language overview of what notarization is, how it protects you, and how it has changed with online commissioning.Related: Online commissioning
- What to expect during an online commissioning appointmentA step-by-step walkthrough of a remote commissioning session — what you do before, during and after, and how long it takes.Related: Online commissioning
Guides
International & online
- Authentication, legalization & apostille in OntarioWhat the notarize → authenticate → legalize / apostille pipeline means for documents used abroad.Related: Apostille
- Certified translations and translator declarationsWhen a translated document needs to be sworn — how translator declarations work for IRCC, courts and foreign authorities.Related: Statutory declaration
- How remote online notarization works in OntarioCommissioning a document by secure video — what is allowed and what you need.Related: Online commissioning
Guides
Family & status
- Consent letters for children travelling abroadNotarized parental consent that meets Global Affairs Canada guidance.Related: Travel consent
- Proof of life certificates for foreign pensionsPension authorities abroad regularly ask retirees in Canada to prove they are alive. Here's how the attestation works and what to bring.Related: Statutory declaration
- Single status and marital status declarationsMarrying abroad, sponsoring a partner, or updating records often requires a sworn statement of your marital status. Here's what these declarations involve.Related: Statutory declaration
Guides
Court & copies
- Getting an affidavit commissioned for an Ontario courtCourts reject affidavits over small execution defects. Here's how commissioning works for court filings and the mistakes that cause rejections.Related: Affidavit
- Getting documents ready for a real estate or mortgage closingClosings often need sworn declarations, certified copies and identity documents on a tight timeline. Here’s what tends to come up and how to prepare.Related: In-person
- How certified true copies workCertifying that a photocopy matches your original passport, ID, degree or record.Related: Certified copy
- What ID you need to notarize a documentAcceptable primary and secondary identification for Ontario notarization.Related: Online commissioning
Guides
Government
- Gifting a used vehicle in Ontario: the sworn statementTransferring a car to a family member without retail sales tax requires a sworn family-gift statement. Here's how the commissioning step works.Related: Online commissioning
- Notarizing an Ontario name-change applicationCommon declarations and copies that accompany a change-of-name request.Related: Statutory declaration
- OSAP & student status declarationsStatutory declarations students commonly need for grants and applications.Related: Statutory declaration
Templates
Sample wording for common declarations and letters.
Document tools
Fill in the blanks and generate a draft to bring to your session.
Glossary
Jurat, deponent, apostille — the terms, defined plainly.
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.