Disclosures & FAQ
Answers to your questions and details to help you prepare for your appointment.
Disclosures and Scope
Appointments are contingent on advance document submission through the booking system. Failure to upload documents in advance may result in cancellation or rescheduling.
Notary/commissioning services confirm identity and proper execution. They do not include legal advice or representation. If you need advice about what to sign or what a document means, consult counsel before booking.
Ontario: certain affidavits/statutory declarations may be commissioned remotely where legally permitted; notarizations like certified true copies and notarial certificates are in-person.
Privacy & Recordings
For Ontario appointments, documents may be stored temporarily to complete the requested service and provide copies. Sensitive documents should not be emailed unless encrypted or requested through a secure upload link.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Miscellaneous
Do you “apostille” documents?
Apostilles are issued by government authorities. We can notarize/commission documents so they’re ready for the apostille step and guide you to the correct authority for the final certificate.
Do you provide legal advice?▾
Not as part of notary/commissioning services. We verify identity and proper execution; we don’t advise on the content or legal effect of documents.
What ID is required?▾
Valid government-issued photo ID for each signer (exact requirements are confirmed in the booking flow).
FAQ: Witnessing and Notarizing a Signature
Who can witness a document?▾
Generally the person you choose to witness a document should have no financial or other interest in an agreement. A neutral third party is the best choice. A neutral third party is someone not related to either party and who does not benefit from the document. Ideally a witness will observe the relevant party or parties signing the document and then the witness will sign the document as proof that they witnessed the parties signing. The witnesses must be of legal age in your jurisdiction and they must be mentally capable of managing their property and making their own decisions.
What is the difference between witnessing a signature, and notarizing a signature, and an acknowledgment?▾
Witnessing a signature just means an ordinary person has witnessed someone signing a document. Notarizing a signature means a Notary has witnessed the signature in their official capacity as a Notary public, and signed and sealed the document. An acknowledgment is where the signer must declare (acknowledge) signing the document for its intended purpose (it may have been signed previously).
Why would I want my signature on a document notarized?▾
If there was a dispute about the signature in an agreement, having a Notary Public's seal and signature on the document can be brought forward as evidence that the agreement has in fact been signed by the person represented.
How does Notarizing a signature work?▾
Notarizing a signature involves three simple steps: (1) We confirm your identification, (2) We watch you sign the document, and (3) We place our Notary Seal and signature beside your signature. These 3 steps officially notarize your signature on the document.
How long does notarizing a signature take?▾
An appointment for notarizing a signature usually takes 5 minutes; but can be longer depending on the number of signatures you need to have notarized.
Do I need to be present for my signature to be witnessed? Can someone else just bring my ID?▾
Anyone who wants to have their signature notarized must come in person, show their valid identification, and sign the document in front of the Notary. That is the law.
What do I need to bring to have my signature witnessed on a document?▾
Bring the unsigned document and valid identification. There are two options for valid identification. We accept both options so select the one that works best for you: OPTION 1: One piece of government-issued photo identification (examples: any passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card, driver's licence, OHIP, etc.). OPTION 2: Two pieces of government issued non-photo identification (examples: SIN card, birth certificate, etc.).
If there are multiple signatures to notarize on one document, do you charge me for each signature?▾
No. Pricing is per document, but large documents or signature requirements may incur additional fees (20+ signatures). At that point you will be charged 5.00 per signature.
I have 1 document that requires two of your signatures and two seals, but they're both on the same page. Do you consider that as one fee or two?▾
Pricing is per document, but large documents or signature requirements may incur additional fees (20+ signatures). At that point you may be charged.
Can the signature be notarized for a document for something out of the province or out of the country?▾
We can notarize a signature on any type of document, however it is up to the client to determine if your receiving institution will accept a legal Ontario Notary seal.
Can you notarize my signature on documents in other languages, or do they have to be in English?▾
We can notarize the signing of a document in ANY language. The Notary only needs to properly identify you and then watch you sign the document. In addition, you will be asked to print your name in English beside your signature, if it isn't already there.
FAQ: Notarized/Certified True Copies
What is the difference between a notarized and a certified true copy?▾
Generally these terms are used interchangeably. The Notary is "certifying" that the copy is a true copy of the original.
What is a notarized/certified true copy?▾
A notarized/certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been signed by someone who is officially authorized to confirm that it is a true and accurate copy of the original. Only Notary Publics are authorized to make notarized/certified true copies in Ontario.
How long does it take to certify a true copy of an original?▾
An appointment for certifying a true copy usually takes 5 minutes (for up to 5 copies); but can be longer depending on the number of certified true copies you need to have done.
What do I need to bring to get a certified true copy?▾
You will need to bring: (1) The original document (2) A photocopy of the original document for us to certify (3) Your ID.
FAQ: Comissioning An Oath, Affirmation or Solemn Declaration
What is the difference between a Commissioner and a Notary Public?▾
A Commissioner is a person who can legally administer an oath, affirmation or solemn declaration; for example, to a person making an affidavit. Lawyers and licensed Paralegals are Commissioners by virtue of their office. A Notary Public is a Lawyer / Commissioner who has applied for and received additional legalization authority; including the notarization of signatures and the notarization of true copies of documents.
What does it mean to commission an oath or affirmation or solemn declaration?▾
Commissioning of an oath/affirmation/solemn declaration means that the oath/affirmation/solemn declaration you are making has been officially witnessed and administered by someone with the legal authority to do so. Our Notary Lawyer has the legal authority to commission oaths, affirmations, and solemn declarations.
What is an Oath, Affirmation, and Solemn Declaration?▾
An oath is when a person swears that the contents of a document are true and correct. When you come to get an Oath Commissioned at your appointment with Notary Public, you will be asked to reply "yes" to the question: "Do you swear that the contents of this document as subscribed by you are true?". If you prefer to make an Affirmation or Solemn Declaration, you may instead reply "yes" to the following question: "Do you solemnly affirm and declare that the contents of this document as subscribed by you are true?"
Do I have to hold a religious book or raise my hand to make an Oath, Affirmation, or Solemn Declaration?▾
No. You are not required to hold a religious book or raise your hand when making an Oath, Affirmation, or Solemn Declaration.
What is a deponent?▾
A "deponent" is the legal term for the person who is making the Oath, Affirmation, or Solemn Declaration (the person who is declaring the statements are true).