What Is Online Commissioning?
Online commissioning—also frequently called virtual or remote notarization—allows you to legally swear oaths, affirmations, and execute declarations securely via video conferencing technology, entirely bypassing the need to travel to a physical office.
In Ontario, remote commissioning is not a temporary measure. It is a permanent legislative advancement under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act (O. Reg. 431/20). As long as strict identity verification and audio-visual protocols are maintained, a digitally commissioned document holds identical legal validity and weight to one signed in ink.
As a premier digital and mobile legal service, Crown Seal Notary provides seamless remote online commissioning for clients across Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and globally for documents destined for use within Ontario.
HOW ONLINE COMMISSIONING WORKS
Step 1 — Instant Online Booking:
Select our "Remote Online Commissioning" option through our digital booking portal. You will receive an instant email confirmation outlining how to securely upload your unsigned documents (PDF format preferred) ahead of your session.
Step 2 — Secure Identity Verification:
Before the video call begins or during the live session, you must present a valid, unexpired piece of government-issued photo identification. Acceptable primary documents include:
Canadian or International Passport
Ontario Driver’s Licence
Ontario Photo Card
Permanent Resident (PR) Card
Step 3 — The Live Video Appointment:
You will join our designated Notary Public on a secure, encrypted live video conference session. Our official will review the paperwork with you, visually confirm your identity matches your uploaded credentials, and witness your digital signature live on screen.
Step 4 — Digital Sealing & Delivery:
Once you apply your electronic signature, our Notary Public applies an authorized digital signature accompanied by a tamper-evident cryptographic digital seal. The completely executed document is emailed back to you immediately as a secure PDF, fully optimized for direct upload to government portals, insurers, or corporate databases.
WHAT DOCUMENTS QUALIFY FOR VIRTUAL SIGNINGS?
OSAP Affidavits: Statements of sole-support, common-law status, or foreign income adjustments.
Insurance Claim Forms: Sworn statements of loss and property inventory declarations.
Statutory Declarations: Administrative declarations mandated by federal ministries (IRCC/CRA) or Ontario provincial departments.
Legal & Court Affidavits: Formal statements of fact utilized within Ontario Family Court, Civil Litigation, or Small Claims matters.
Municipal Filings: Zoning declarations, first-time homebuyer tax forms, and property assessment statements.
The vast majority of standard administrative, financial, and provincial forms perfectly qualify for Ontario remote online commissioning. These include:
When In-PERSON Mobile Notarization Is Still Mandatory
While online commissioning is incredibly versatile, specific legal frameworks, federal ministries, and international consulates strictly reject virtual signatures. In these circumstances, Crown Seal Notary’s premium mobile fleet steps in to handle your paperwork in-person.
An in-person mobile notary house call is mandatory for:
Passport Applications: The Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 132) strictly requires a physical, wet-ink signature and physical photo certification.
ServiceOntario Vehicle Title Transfers: Family gift tax exemptions and corporate RIN letters heavily mandate a traditional physical signature and an official physical impression stamp.
Certified True Copies: True copy certifications require the Notary to physically touch and inspect the original paper document (e.g., degree, birth certificate, passport) alongside its copy.
Apostille & International Authentication: Documents destined for use outside of Canada must undergo the apostille process, which frequently requires traditional ink signatures and physical seals to be validated by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery or Global Affairs Canada.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is online commissioning permanently legal in Ontario?
Can you notarize my document online if it is going outside of Canada?
Can my spouse and I join the video call from different locations?
What happens if the receiving institution rejects my digital document?
NEED ONLINE COMMISSIONING SERVICES IN ONTARIO?
Don't let administrative roadblocks slow down your progress. Whether you need a secure, fast 15-minute remote online video appointment or an in-person mobile notary house call at your location, Crown Seal Notary provides precise, authoritative support across Hamilton and the GTA.
