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If you have experienced the loss, theft, or damage of your belongings, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming. Understanding what is required, especially when it comes to a Proof of Loss form, can make the process much easier. What Is a Proof of Loss Form A Proof of Loss form is an official document required by your insurance company when you file a claim. It explains what was lost or damaged, how the loss occurred, and the value of the items involved. Submitting thi

What Is a Guarantor and Why Is One Required? A guarantor is someone who confirms your identity when you apply for certain government documents, including a travel document/passport. They play an important role by: Signing your application form Certifying your passport photo Being available to verify your identity if contacted with questions You’ll typically need a guarantor when applying for: Your first Canadian passport A child’s passport A replacement for a lost, stolen, or

If you're transferring a vehicle to a family member in Ontario, you may be able to do so without paying retail sales tax. The key document that makes this possible is the Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle (Form 11573) which can be accessed here: https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/013-1157 In this guide, we’ll walk you through what this form is, who qualifies, and how to complete the process properly. What Is a Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used

If you're applying through the Medical Council of Canada, ensuring your documents are properly certified is essential. If you’re searching for MCC document certification in Markham or a notary public near Markham, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. What Is Document Certification? Document certification means having an authorized official review your original document and confirm that a photocopy is a true copy of the original. For MCC applications:

If you’ve misplaced a paper Canada Savings Bond (CSB) or Canada Premium Bond (CPB), you’re not alone. The good news? Even though all CSBs and CPBs have now matured and stopped earning interest, you can still redeem them, even without the original certificate but you will need to follow the proper process. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide, including when you’ll need a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths. Step 1: Report the Bond as Lost To begin, you’ll need to complete a

If you are a Canadian medical graduate applying for postgraduate medical training in the United States, your Statement of Need (SON) application is a critical step in the process. One of the requirements is submitting properly certified true copies of your identity and citizenship documents. At Affordable Markham Notary Public, we help medical professionals complete this step quickly and correctly so that your application is not delayed. What Is the Statement of Need (SON) Pr

One of the most common questions we receive at Affordable Markham Notary Public is whether you need to notarize your Will. The short answer? No. You do not need to notarize your will for it to be legally binding in Ontario. What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Ontario? For a standard typed (not handwritten) will to be valid in Ontario, it must meet the following requirements: It must be signed by the testator (the person making the will) The signing must take place in the prese

If you’re inviting a friend or family member to visit Canada, you may need to provide a letter of invitation to support their visa application. At Affordable Markham Notary Public , we make it easy for you to get your invitation letter notarized or commissioned the same day. Book online or call us to get started! This guide covers: What an invitation letter is When it should be notarized The difference between a regular letter and an affidavit Step-by-step instructions with

If you’re applying for a legal name change in Ontario, one of the key documents you may need is a statutory declaration. While the form itself may seem simple, many people are unsure about how to complete it correctly, especially when it comes to commissioning. This guide will walk you through what a statutory declaration is, why it matters, and how to get it properly commissioned so your application isn’t delayed. What Is a Statutory Declaration? A statutory declaration is a

Locked-in retirement funds are designed to provide income during retirement—but in certain situations, you may be able to access these funds earlier. If you're applying to unlock pension funds in Canada, you will often need sworn statements or consent forms, which must be notarized. In this guide, we explain what locked-in funds are, when notarization is required, and the available unlocking options under federal rules. What Are Locked-In Retirement Funds? Locked-in funds typ

If you’ve ever had your name appear differently across documents, you may be asked to provide an Affidavit of Identity, also known as an Affidavit for One and the Same Person or an Affidavit of Same Name. What Is an Affidavit? An Affidavit is a sworn legal document where you declare that different versions of your name refer to you and only you. This particular affidavit is used to confirm that multiple variations of names belong to the same individual . You sign this documen

If you're wondering how much a notary public or commissioner for oaths costs in Markham, you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions people ask before getting documents notarized. Fees in Ontario are not regulated by law, which means prices can vary wildly between law firms and notary offices. The short answer: Typically, Ontario notary fees range from $25 to $60 per seal . However, at Affordable Markham Notary Public , we believe in transparent, competitive pr

A Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief is a written declaration where an individual affirms that a personal decision is based on their sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. In many situations, organizations, schools, employers, or government bodies may request this type of statement when someone is requesting an exemption from a requirement due to their beliefs. In Ontario, the Ministry of Education requires a completed "Statement of Conscience or Reli

A Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union is an official document used in Canadian immigration applications to confirm that two individuals are living together in a common-law relationship. This declaration is commonly required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as part of an application for spousal sponsorship, permanent residence, or temporary residence in Canada. The purpose of the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union is to formally confirm that the app

If you’re a contractor or subcontractor in Canada, you already know that getting paid on time is critical to keeping your projects moving. But before you receive your second (or subsequent) progress payment, or the release of holdback funds, you may be asked to provide a Statutory Declaration of Progress Payment Distribution. In this guide, we’ll explain: What a Statutory Declaration of Progress Payment Distribution is When you need it The difference between CCDC 9A and CCDC

If you’re applying through the Lawyer Licensing Process in Ontario, you will be required to submit certified true copies of supporting documents ( i.e. passport) as part of your application. At Affordable Markham Notary, we offer certified true copies for $25 per document, making the process simple, fast, and affordable. Just bring your passport, and we will photocopy it for you (no additional charge). Who Regulates Lawyers in Ontario? Lawyers in Ontario are governed by the

If your corporation or business needs to register a vehicle in Ontario, you must first obtain a Registrant Identification Number (RIN) . This number is required to get a vehicle permit and licence plate under a business name instead of an individual’s driver’s licence. In this guide, we explain: What a RIN is Who needs a RIN in Ontario The documents required Why notarization is needed The step-by-step process to obtain a RIN What Is a Registrant Identification Number (RIN)? A

An affidavit is a written statement of fact that you swear or affirm to be true in front of a lawyer, commissioner of oaths, or notary public. Because it is sworn evidence, an affidavit carries legal weight. Providing false information in an affidavit can have serious consequences. In the context of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), an OSAP affidavit is a sworn statement used to support your student financial assistance application in Ontario. OSAP may request an

If a child is travelling outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians, a consent letter is strongly recommended. While it is not legally required under Canadian law, it is an important travel document that can help prevent delays, questioning at borders, or even refusal of entry into another country. As a Notary Public in Ontario, one of the most common travel-related services requested is witnessing consent letters for children. This article explains what a

When a minor child comes to Canada to study without their parents or legal guardians, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may require a Custodianship Declaration (Form IMM 5646E) . This document confirms that proper care arrangements are in place while the child is living and studying in Canada. At Affordable Markham Notary Public , we regularly assist clients with notarizing custodianship declarations for study permit applications. Understanding how the form