Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Appointments

1. What is a commissioner for taking affidavits?
   
   A commissioner for taking affidavits is a person who can legally administer an oath, affirmation or declaration, for example, to a person making an affidavit.
2. Who can become a commissioner for taking affidavits?
   
   Any person who is at least 18 years old may apply to be appointed as a commissioner for taking affidavits.
   
   Successful applicants typically work for a registered Ontario business or organization that is required to take affidavits as part of its regular business (e.g. law firms, manufacturers, contractors, etc.).  The appointment is limited to the business of that firm or organization.
   
   Lawyers entitled to practice in Ontario are already commissioners by virtue of office, and do not have to apply.
3. How do I apply for an appointment as a commissioner for taking affidavits?
   
   To apply for an appointment as a commissioner for taking affidavits, please complete the commissioner for taking affidavits general application form PDF.
   
   If you are an articling student or law student working for an Ontario law firm, please complete the student-at-law/law student application form PDF.
4. How can I renew my appointment as a commissioner?
   
   Each commissioner is appointed for a three-year term.  Subject to certain conditions, a commissioner can request reappointment.  For more information, please refer to the commissioner for taking affidavits renewal guide PDF.
5. What is the renewal fee for a commissioner’s appointment?
   
   Reappointment fees are determined based on a number of factors.  For more information, please refer to the fees section of the commissioner for taking affidavits renewal guide PDF.
6. How can I make a change to the wording of my commissioner’s stamp?
   
   A commissioner must notify the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Legal Appointments Office as soon as possible about any changes required to the wording of their stamp to ensure the appointment remains legally valid.  For more information, please refer to the commissioner for taking affidavits renewal guide PDF.

Non-Lawyer Notary Public Appointments

1. What is a non-lawyer notary public?
   
   A non-lawyer notary public has all the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits, and can also verify that signatures, marks and copies of documents are true or genuine.
2. Who can become a non-lawyer notary public?
   
   Any Canadian citizen can apply to be appointed a non-lawyer notary public. 
   
   Non-lawyer notary applicants will only be appointed if their employment requires the notarizing of documents for one of the following:
   • Senior government officials
   • Ontario-registered or federally-registered corporations engaged in international or inter-provincial trade and/or commerce
   • Patent and trademark agents
   • Head offices of national or provincial trade unions engaged in out-of-province business.
   No courses or education will qualify a non-lawyer to become a notary public in Ontario.
   
   Non-lawyer notary appointments will not be granted to allow applicants to:
   • Enter a new line of business or employment. The business or employment must already be established.
   • Expand services available to clients currently.
3. I am a lawyer. How can I become a notary public?
   
   If you are a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada you can apply for a notary public appointment through the Ministry of Government Services by completing their application form.
4. I am not a lawyer. How do I apply for an appointment as a non-lawyer notary public?
   
   Please complete the non-lawyer notary public application form PDF.
5. How can I be reappointed as a non-lawyer notary public?
   
   A non-lawyer notary public is appointed for a three-year term.  Subject to certain conditions, a notary public can request reappointment.  For more information, please refer to the non-lawyer notary public reappointment guide PDF.
6. What is the reappointment fee for a non-lawyer notary public appointment?
   
   Reappointment fees are determined based on a number of factors.  For more information, please refer to the fees section of the non-lawyer notary public reappointment guide PDF.
7. How can I make a change to the wording of my notary stamp?
   
   A non-lawyer notary public must notify the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Legal Appointments Office as soon as possible about any changes required to the wording of their ink stamp to ensure the appointment remains legally valid.  For more information, please refer to the non-lawyer notary public reappointment guide PDF.

General

1. Where can I find a commissioner for taking affidavits or a notary public?
   
   The Ministry of the Attorney General does not offer the services of a commissioner for taking affidavits or a notary public and cannot provide referrals.
   
   
   • If you need documents to be notarized or commissioned for private and commercial transactions, check the Yellow Pages or consult with your local library on how to locate a notary or commissioner in your community.
   • Affidavits to be filed in court proceedings (e.g. Small Claims Court, Family Court or civil court) may be sworn before a court official authorized to take affidavits where the documents are to be filed. There is a prescribed fee for this service in the Superior Court of Justice and in appeal court civil proceedings.  
   • Sworn statements for the transfer or family gift of a used motor vehicle can usually be taken at the nearest driver and vehicle licence issuing office.
   • Documents required to obtain a variety of provincial government services, including applications for lost government cheques, child support or student loans, can often be sworn before a commissioner at the nearest ServiceOntario counter. This service is free.
   • Documents required for municipal business (e.g. applications for municipal licences or zoning variances) can often be sworn before a clerk at a city hall or municipal office. Municipal offices may charge a fee for this service.