What Does a Notary Public Do in Ontario?

If you've ever been asked to "get a document notarized," you may have wondered what a Notary Public actually does. Whether you're preparing documents for travel, immigration, real estate, or use overseas, a Notary Public plays an important role in verifying documents and identities.

At Affordable Markham Notary Public, we provide fast, professional, and affordable notary services in Markham for individuals, families, and businesses.

What Is a Notary Public in Ontario?

A Notary Public is a lawyer/paralegal or another individual appointed by the Province of Ontario with the legal authority to witness signatures, administer oaths and affirmations, certify copies of original documents, and complete notarial certificates.

A Notary Public serves as an impartial witness who helps deter fraud by verifying the identity of the person signing a document and ensuring they understand what they are signing.

It is important to understand that notarization does not verify that the contents of a document are true or legally correct. Instead, it confirms that the proper legal formalities have been followed.

What Can a Notary Public Do in Ontario?

1. Witness Signatures

One of the most common services is witnessing the signing of documents.

Examples include:

• Consent letters for children travelling abroad

• Invitation letters

• Statutory declarations

• Powers of attorney

• Property documents

• Business agreements

• Foreign legal documents

The Notary Public verifies your identity and watches you sign the document before completing the notarial certificate.

2. Administer Oaths and Affirmations

Many legal documents require the person signing to swear or affirm that the information is true.

Common examples include:

• Affidavits

• Statutory declarations

• Court documents

• Insurance forms

• Government applications

The Notary Public administers the oath or affirmation before witnessing the signature.

3. Certify True Copies

A certified true copy is a photocopy that has been compared to the original document and certified as a true copy.

Common documents include:

• Passports

• Driver's licences

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• University degrees

• Diplomas

• Transcripts

• Permanent Resident Cards

• Citizenship certificates

Many employers, educational institutions, immigration authorities, and foreign governments require certified true copies instead of original documents.

4. Complete Notarial Certificates

Many documents that will be used outside Canada require a formal notarial certificate confirming the authenticity of the signature.

These documents may later need to be authenticated or apostilled before they can be accepted in another country.

What a Notary Public Cannot Do

Many people assume a Notary Public can certify anything. However, there are important limits.

A Notary Public generally cannot:

• Certify copies without seeing the original document

• Notarize a signature if the person is not present

• Provide legal advice unless they are acting as your lawyer

• Notarize incomplete or blank documents

• Verify that the statements contained in a document are true simply because it has been notarized

Why Do Documents Need to Be Notarized?

Organizations request notarization because it helps establish confidence that:

• The signer's identity has been verified.

• The signature is genuine.

• The document was signed voluntarily.

• Required legal formalities have been completed.

Notarized documents are commonly required for:

• Immigration applications

• International travel

• Real estate transactions

• Banking documents

• Estate matters

• Educational institutions

• Employment verification

• Foreign legal proceedings

• Business transactions

What Should You Bring?

To have your document notarized, you should bring:

• The original document (unless instructed otherwise)

• Valid government-issued photo identification, such as:

  • Passport

  • Ontario Driver's Licence

  • Ontario Photo Card

• Any supporting original documents if requesting certified true copies

Do not sign your document in advance unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.

Why Choose Affordable Markham Notary Public?

We make notarization simple, convenient, and affordable.

When you visit our office, you can expect:

• Affordable flat-rate pricing

• Fast same-day service

• Walk-ins welcome during business hours

• Professional service from an Ontario lawyer and Notary Public

• Convenient Markham location inside MetroSquare Plaza

Whether you need one document notarized or several certified true copies, we're here to help make the process quick and stress-free.

Visit Us Today

Affordable Markham Notary Public proudly serves clients throughout Markham, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Unionville, Thornhill, North York, Vaughan, and the Greater Toronto Area.

If you're unsure whether your document needs to be notarized, feel free to contact us before your visit. We'll be happy to explain the requirements and ensure you bring everything needed to complete your appointment.

We look forward to assisting you with all of your notarization needs.