“Do I need a notary or a commissioner?” is one of the questions we hear most often. The two roles overlap, but they are not identical, and choosing correctly can save you a second trip.
What a commissioner for taking affidavits does
A commissioner for taking affidavits (often called a commissioner of oaths) is authorized to administer oaths, affirmations and declarations. In practical terms, a commissioner can:
- commission affidavits, which are sworn or affirmed written statements;
- commission statutory declarations, which are solemn declarations that the contents are true;
- witness your oath and sign and stamp the document.
Ontario’s guidance for commissioners stresses that the oath or declaration must be taken properly, that the commissioner must be satisfied the signature is genuine, and that commissioners do not give legal advice.
What a notary public does
A notary public in Ontario can do everything a commissioner can do, and more. Notarial services commonly include:
- certifying true copies of original documents;
- verifying and attesting signatures;
- preparing documents for use outside Ontario or outside Canada, where foreign authorities often specifically ask for a notary’s seal.
How to know which one you need
- If the form says “sworn before a commissioner” or “commissioner for taking affidavits,” a commissioner is enough.
- If it says “notarized,” “notarial certificate,” “certified true copy by a notary,” or it is going to another country, you will usually need a notary public.
- If the document is headed for an apostille, check the requirements first. See our guide, What Documents Can Be Apostilled in Canada?
When in doubt, send us the instructions you received before your appointment and we will confirm which service applies.
Sources
Related reading
- Certified true copies in Hamilton
- What documents can be apostilled in Canada?
- Online commissioning in Ontario
- Notary FAQs
- Our notary services
Book with Crown Seal Notary
Crown Seal Notary serves Hamilton and the surrounding area seven days a week. In-office appointments are available at 21 King St W, 5th Floor, and our mobile service comes to your home, workplace, hospital or care home. To book, call 289-207-0851, email info@csnotary.org, or book online. You can also browse all of our services or read our FAQs.
Please note: Crown Seal Notary provides notarization and commissioning services only. We do not provide legal, immigration or financial advice, and we cannot tell you what to write in your document. If you are unsure which document you need, please check with the organization that asked for it or speak with a lawyer or licensed paralegal.
