Is Every Ontario Lawyer a Notary Public?

Updated September 2026. In Ontario, a lawyer’s Law Society licence and an appointment as a notary public are separate matters. Lawyers and paralegals can apply for a notary appointment, but you should confirm that the particular professional is authorized for the notarial act you need.

Notary or commissioner?

An Ontario notary public can perform certain notarial acts and has the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits. A commissioner can take eligible oaths, affirmations and declarations but cannot necessarily certify a true copy or provide every notarial service. The recipient’s wording determines which service to request.

Notarial authority is not the same as authorization to advise on a legal matter. An appointed notary who is also a licensed lawyer may provide legal services within the scope of their licence and retainer; a notarial appointment alone does not authorize legal advice.

Ontario requires physical presence for notarization. Eligible affidavits and declarations may be commissioned remotely if Ontario’s remote commissioning regulation is followed and the recipient accepts the result.

Unsure which appointment to choose? Send us the recipient’s exact instructions or review available services.

Sources: Ontario appointment process; Ontario notary versus commissioner.