Affidavits

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Affidavits

An affidavit is a written statement that a person swears or affirms to be true in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public. Affidavits are commonly used for:



Because affidavits are sworn legal statements, they must generally be signed in the presence of the Commissioner or Notary. At Crown Seal Notary, we provide professional mobile affidavit services throughout Hamilton and surrounding communities. legal matters, court proceedings, immigration applications, insurance claims, government documentation, financial matters and identity verification.

Affidavits We Commonly Assist With

HOW THE AFFIDAVIT PROCESS WORKS

Step 1 — Prepare the Affidavit
Clients may bring a prepared affidavit, request drafting assistance, or have the document reviewed before signing.
Step 2 — Identification Verification
Government-issued photo identification is generally required. Examples may include a passport, driver’s licence, Ontario photo card and permanent resident card. The identification should generally be valid, include a photograph and match the affidavit information.
Step 3 — Swearing or Affirming the Affidavit
The signer must appear before the commissioner or notary, swear or affirm that the contents are true, and sign the affidavit in the official’s presence.
Step 4 — Commissioning or Notarization
The affidavit is then signed, stamped or sealed and officially commissioned or notarized. This confirms the affidavit was properly sworn or affirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I sign the affidavit before the appointment?
Usually no. Affidavits are generally signed in the presence of the Commissioner or Notary.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Same-day and urgent appointments may be available depending on scheduling.
Can affidavits be used for immigration matters?
Yes. Affidavits are commonly used for immigration and international documentation.
What is the difference between "swearing" and "affirming" an affidavit?
Both methods have identical legal weight and consequences, but they cater to different personal beliefs: Swearing an Oath: A religious declaration where you swear to the truth of the document on a sacred text (such as the Bible). Solemn Affirmation: A non-religious, secular alternative where you formally pledge on your conscience that the facts presented are entirely true. Our team will ask for your preference before administering the verbal oath.
Can an Ontario affidavit be commissioned online?
Yes, remote (online) commissioning is completely legal in Ontario. Under Ontario Regulation 431/20, affidavits and statutory declarations can be securely witnessed over a live, real-time video call.
What happens if there are mistakes or false statements in an affidavit?
An affidavit carries the exact same legal weight as giving testimony under oath inside a courtroom. Signing an affidavit containing information you know to be false constitutes perjury under Section 131 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Perjury is a serious criminal offense that carries severe legal penalties. Always review your factual statements carefully before your appointment to ensure total accuracy.

Need an Affidavit Commissioned in Hamilton?

Crown Seal Notary provides professional mobile affidavit commissioning, notary public, certified true copy, and apostille support services throughout Hamilton and the GTA.

Crown Seal Notary is an independent notary public and commissioner of oaths. We are not a government agency and do not issue or renew passports, visas, IDs, licences, permits, certificates or background checks.