Notary guides & resources
Plain-language answers about notarization and commissioning in Ontario — what documents need, what ID to bring, and how online appointments work.
Recent reading
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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →Things you should know about notarization
A plain-language overview of what notarization is, how it protects you, and how it has changed with online commissioning.
Read the guide →Affidavit vs. statutory declaration
Two similar-looking sworn documents — and when each one is used.
Read the guide →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.
Read the guide →What to expect during an online commissioning appointment
A step-by-step walkthrough of a remote commissioning session — what you do before, during and after, and how long it takes.
Read the guide →Documents that usually can’t be commissioned online — and why
Online commissioning covers a lot, but not everything. Here are the common documents that still need an in-person appointment, and the reason.
Read the guide →Authentication, legalization & apostille in Ontario
What the notarize → authenticate → legalize / apostille pipeline means for documents used abroad.
Read the guide →How remote online notarization works in Ontario
Commissioning a document by secure video — what is allowed and what you need.
Read the guide →Certified translations and translator declarations
When a translated document needs to be sworn — how translator declarations work for IRCC, courts and foreign authorities.
Read the guide →How certified true copies work
Certifying that a photocopy matches your original passport, ID, degree or record.
Read the guide →What ID you need to notarize a document
Acceptable primary and secondary identification for Ontario notarization.
Read the guide →Getting an affidavit commissioned for an Ontario court
Courts reject affidavits over small execution defects. Here's how commissioning works for court filings and the mistakes that cause rejections.
Read the guide →Getting documents ready for a real estate or mortgage closing
Closings often need sworn declarations, certified copies and identity documents on a tight timeline. Here’s what tends to come up and how to prepare.
Read the guide →Notarizing an Ontario name-change application
Common declarations and copies that accompany a change-of-name request.
Read the guide →OSAP & student status declarations
Statutory declarations students commonly need for grants and applications.
Read the guide →Gifting a used vehicle in Ontario: the sworn statement
Transferring a car to a family member without retail sales tax requires a sworn family-gift statement. Here's how the commissioning step works.
Read the guide →Consent letters for children travelling abroad
Notarized parental consent that meets Global Affairs Canada guidance.
Read the guide →Proof of life certificates for foreign pensions
Pension authorities abroad regularly ask retirees in Canada to prove they are alive. Here's how the attestation works and what to bring.
Read the guide →Single status and marital status declarations
Marrying abroad, sponsoring a partner, or updating records often requires a sworn statement of your marital status. Here's what these declarations involve.
Read the guide →Ready to get started?
Guides are general information, not legal advice. When you’re ready, the booking flow confirms exactly what your document needs.