What Does a Notary Public Do in Ontario?

Updated September 2026. In Ontario, a notary public is appointed under the Notaries Act. A notary can attest certain signatures or copies of documents and has the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits. The exact service you need depends on the document and the recipient’s instructions.

Common services

• Certified true copy: the notary compares a copy with the document presented and certifies the copy, where appropriate.
• Signature witnessing or attestation: the notary identifies the person and performs the applicable notarial act in person.
• Oaths and declarations: a qualified commissioner administers an oath, affirmation or statutory declaration and witnesses the signature.

In person or online?

Ontario’s notary guidance requires physical presence for notarization. A qualifying oath or declaration can instead be commissioned remotely under O. Reg. 431/20, subject to the recipient accepting it. Commissioning and notarization are different acts.

A notary stamp does not guarantee a document’s underlying facts, legal validity, acceptance or eligibility for use abroad. Ask the receiving organization exactly what it needs. If you need legal advice or drafting, consult a professional authorized for that work.

Ready to choose a service? Review services and fees or see online commissioning options.