Commissioner for Taking Affidavits vs. Notary

In Ontario, there is a significant difference between a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits and a Notary Public. Knowing which one you need can save you time and money.

Commissioner for Taking Affidavits

A commissioner is authorized to take affidavits and statutory declarations. This is often required for court documents, passport applications, and other government forms. A commissioner is not authorized to certify copies of documents or witness signatures on certain legal documents.

Notary Public

A notary is authorized to notarize any document, including certifying copies, witnessing signatures on legal documents, and taking affidavits. In Ontario, all lawyers and some paralegals are automatically notaries public.

Which One Do You Need?

• Affidavits & Declarations: Either a commissioner or a notary can usually handle these.
• Certified Copies: Only a notary can certify that a copy is a true and accurate representation of the original.
• Legal Documents: For documents that will be used outside of Ontario, a notary is usually required.

Fees

The fees for these services are usually set by the municipality or the legal professional. In general, a notary's fee is higher than a commissioner's fee.