Affidavit of Identity/Identification in Ontario: What You Need to Know

Have you been asked to provide an Affidavit of Identity, also known as Affidavit of Identification, for a government agency, financial institution, employer, school, immigration matter, or another organization?

An Affidavit of Identity is a sworn statement used to formally confirm identity-related information or explain differences between names, records, or documents. In Ontario, a Notary Public may exercise the powers of a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits, including administering an oath or affirmation when a person swears or affirms an affidavit.

What Is an Affidavit of Identity/Identification?

An Affidavit of Identity is a legal document in which a person makes a sworn statement about information relating to their identity.

For example, an organization may ask for an affidavit when the name appearing on one document differs from the name appearing on another document. The affidavit can explain that the different names refer to the same individual, where appropriate.

The specific wording and supporting documents required will depend on the organization requesting the affidavit.

When Might You Need an Affidavit of Identity?

An Affidavit of Identity may be requested in situations such as:

• Differences between names appearing on documents

• Confirming that different names or name variations refer to the same person

• Explaining identity-related information requested by an organization

• Government or administrative applications

• Financial institution or banking requirements

• Employment or school requirements

• Immigration-related matters

• Other situations where an organization specifically requests a sworn statement about identity

For example, you may have one name on a passport, another version of your name on a birth certificate, or a different spelling or order of your name on an older document. An organization may ask you to provide a sworn statement explaining the discrepancy.

What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?

If you have been asked to provide an Affidavit of Identity, we recommend bringing the following:

1. The Affidavit or Form

If the organization provided you with a specific affidavit, form, template, or document, bring the complete document with you.

If you were given instructions by email, letter, or checklist, bring those instructions as well.

2. Valid Government-Issued Identification

Bring acceptable, valid government-issued photo identification.

If you are unsure whether your identification will be acceptable, contact us before booking your appointment.

3. Supporting Documents

Bring documents that relate to the identity or name issue, such as relevant government, immigration, educational, employment, or financial records, if applicable.

The supporting documents you need will depend on what the organization is asking you to establish.

4. Instructions From the Receiving Organization

If a government agency, bank, employer, school, lawyer, or other organization gave you specific instructions, bring them with you.

This can help ensure that the affidavit is commissioned in the manner requested.

Do Not Sign the Affidavit in Advance

If your signature is required to be witnessed by a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits or Notary Public, do not sign the affidavit before your appointment.

You will sign the affidavit in the presence of the Commissioner or Notary Public and swear or affirm that the information contained in it is true.

Important Things to Know

An Affidavit of Identity is a sworn statement. You are responsible for the information contained in the affidavit and must ensure that the information you provide is accurate and truthful.

It is also important to understand that an Affidavit of Identity does not automatically replace government-issued identification.

If you do not have acceptable identification, contact us before booking your appointment so we can discuss whether the requested commissioning service can be completed.

Will the Organization Accept My Affidavit?

The organization requesting the affidavit determines whether it will accept the document for its intended purpose.

A Notary Public or Commissioner can provide the requested commissioning service, but cannot guarantee that a particular government agency, bank, employer, school, immigration authority, or other organization will accept the affidavit.

If the organization has provided specific requirements, it is important to follow those requirements carefully.

Not Sure What You Need?

If you have been asked to provide an Affidavit of Identity and are unsure what information or supporting documents are required, bring the instructions you received from the organization.

At Affordable Markham Notary Public, we can provide the requested commissioning or notarial service and help you understand what is being requested from a commissioning perspective.

We do not determine the receiving organization's requirements or guarantee acceptance of the completed affidavit.

Affordable Markham Notary Public

📍 3636 Steeles Avenue East, Unit 312, Markham, Ontario, L3R 1K9

Located at MetroSquare Plaza, our office is conveniently accessible by elevator and offers free parking.

Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours.

If you are unsure whether your document requires an Affidavit of Identity, or whether you have the appropriate identification and supporting documents, contact us before your appointment.

Affordable Markham Notary Public

You can also book online here: https://www.affordablemarkhamnotary.com/book-online

This blog is meant to be general information and is not legal advice. The requirements of the organization requesting the affidavit may vary.