Defining notary services in-depth and answering frequently asked questions.
What is a notary public?
A notary public is an individual who has been appointed by the province to act as an official witness to the signing of documents. Notaries are typically used in situations where a legal document needs to be executed in order to ensure that it is valid and binding. In most cases, a notary will be present at the signing of a contract or other legal document in order to witness the event and provide their official seal.
What are notarized documents?
Notaries are also able to certify documents, which means that they can provide an official stamp or seal that verifies the authenticity of the document. This is often used for documents that will be used in another country, as it can help to ensure that the document will be accepted as valid. In order to certify a document, the notary must first sight the original document and then provide their official seal or stamp.
Notaries are required to keep records of all of the documents that they witness and/or certify, and these records are typically available to the public. This means that if you need to find out whether or not a particular document was executed in front of a notary, you should be able to request access to the notary’s records.
Notaries are typically appointed by the provincial government, and their services are generally available to the public for a fee. In some cases, you may be able to find a notary who is willing to work for free, but this is relatively rare.
Can a notary public offer legal services?
Notaries are not allowed to offer legal services, and they cannot give legal advice. This means that if you have a legal question, you will need to consult with a lawyer or another professional who is licensed to provide those services.
What is the difference between a notary public and a lawyer?
A notary public is not the same as a lawyer. A notary public is an individual who has been appointed by the province to act as an official witness to the signing of documents, and they are also able to certify documents. Lawyers are able to give legal advice, represent individuals in court, and draft legal documents.
Online documents certification notary services
Nowadays, it’s possible to use online notary services. This is a convenient option if you need to have a document notarized but you’re not able to visit a physical notary office or if you need it done quickly. Online notary services work by allowing you to upload your document to the notary’s website. The notary will then review the document and provide their official seal or stamp electronically.
Are online notary services as valid as in-person services?
Yes, online notary services are just as valid as in-person services. In order for an online notary service to be valid, it must meet the same requirements as an in-person service. This means that the notary must sign the original document and then provide their official seal or stamp.
What are the advantages of using online notary services?
The main advantage of using online notary services is convenience. You can have your document notarized without having to leave your home or office, and you can usually get it done more quickly than if you were to visit a physical notary office.
Another advantage of using online notary services is that they can be less expensive than in-person services. This is because online notaries don’t have to cover the costs of renting office space, and they can often offer their services at a lower price.
When you need a document to be notarized, you can either visit a physical notary office or you can use an online notary service. Both options are valid, but using an online notary service is often more convenient and less expensive. If you choose to use an online notary service, make sure that the service is reputable and that it meets all of the requirements for a valid notarization.
Mobile notary services
Another option for getting your documents notarized is to use mobile notary services. Mobile notary services work by sending a notary public to your location in order to witness the signing of your document. Urgent mobile notary services may also be available for those who are in a pinch.
Oaths services
Oaths are another type of service that notaries can provide. An oath is a sworn statement that is made in front of a notary public. Oaths are typically used in situations where someone needs to make a formal declaration, such as when making an affidavit.
Types of documents that can be notarized
Statutory Declarations
Statutory declarations are formal statements that are made in front of a notary public. Statutory declarations are typically used in situations where someone needs to make a sworn statement, but an oath is not required.
Some examples of statutory declarations include:
- change of name
- citizenship
- residency
Affidavits
An affidavit is a sworn statement that is made in front of a notary public. Affidavits are typically used in situations where someone needs to make a formal declaration, such as when making a will.
Statutory declarations vs. affidavits
The main difference between statutory declarations and affidavits is that affidavits are made under oath, while statutory declarations are not. This means that if you make a false statement in an affidavit, you can be charged with perjury. If you make a false statement in statutory declarations, you can only be charged with making a false statement.
Separation Agreements
A separation agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of a separation. Separation agreements are typically used by couples who are separating but are not divorcing.
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup, is a legal document that is signed by two people before they get married. Prenuptial agreements typically outline what will happen to the couple’s assets in the event of a divorce.
Wills
A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets will be distributed after they die. Wills are typically used to ensure that a person’s belongings are given to their loved ones in the event of their death.
Living Wills
A living will is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment in the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves. Living wills are typically used to ensure that a person’s medical wishes are carried out if they become incapacitated.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person. Power of attorney can be used for a variety of purposes, such as managing someone’s finances or making medical decisions on their behalf.
Almost any type of document can be notarized, some other common examples include:
- birth certificates
- marriage certificates
- divorce papers
- passports
- visa applications
- diplomas and transcripts
- adoption papers
- criminal background checks
Notarizing Documents
The process of notarizing a document is relatively simple. First, the person who needs the document notarized must sign it in front of a notary public. The notary will then review the document and provide their official seal or stamp.
The step-by-step process of getting your documents notarized
1. Find a notary public
2. Schedule an appointment with the notary
3. Bring the document that needs to be notarized, as well as a form of identification
4. Sign the document in front of the notary
5. The notary will review the document and provide their official seal or stamp
6. The document is now notarized!
Notarizing a document is a simple process that can be completed by finding a notary public and scheduling an appointment. Be sure to bring the document that needs to be notarized, as well as a form of identification.
Notarize certified true copies of documents
When getting a document notarized, you will need to provide the original copy of the document, as well as a certified true copy. A certified true copy is a copy of a document that has been verified by a government official.
To get a certified true copy of a document, you will need to contact the office that issued the original document. For example, if you need a certified true copy of your birth certificate, you will need to contact the vital records office in the state where you were born.
Notarizing your signature
In some cases, you may need to have your signature notarized. This is typically done in situations where you are signing a legal document and you need to provide proof that the signature is actually yours.
Notarization of Documents for Use Outside of Canada
If you need to have a document notarized for use outside of Canada, you’ll need to find a notary public who is authorized to provide this type of service. Notaries who are authorized to provide this type of service are typically located in major cities.
In Canada, there are government services that are responsible for providing notarization services for Canadians who need to have documents notarized for use outside of the country. This department is called Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
Notarization services provided by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada are typically only available to Canadian citizens. If you’re not a Canadian citizen, you’ll need to find a private notary public who is authorized to provide this type of service.
The process for getting a document notarized for use outside of Canada typically involves sending the document to the notary public by mail or courier so online notary services aren’t always an option. The notary public will then review the document and provide their official seal or stamp. Once the document has been notarized, you’ll need to send it back to the person or organization who requested that it be notarized.
Notarization of Documents for Use Within Canada
If you need to have a document notarized for use within Canada, you can typically find a notary public who is authorized to provide this type of service in any major Canadian city.
Do you need to notarize real estate documents?
If you’re buying or selling property in Canada, you’ll need to have certain documents notarized. This includes the purchase and sale agreement, as well as any mortgage documents.
Who can notarize in Ontario?
In the province of Ontario, any lawyer or notary public can provide notarization services. You can find a list of lawyers and notaries public in Ontario on the Law Society of Upper Canada website.
How much do notary public services in Ottawa cost?
Notarization of documents is relatively inexpensive for most people. The first document is priced at $15 and the second and subsequent document costs $10. Other services for notaries are probably less expensive. Convenient services such as a mobile notary can easily cost around $200.
Finding a notary public in Ottawa
There are numerous ways to find a notary public in Ottawa. Here are some of the most popular methods:
- Look in the Yellow Pages under “Notaries Public”
- Ask family or friends if they know of a notary public
- Check with your local chamber of commerce
- Contact the Law Society of Upper Canada
No matter which method you choose, be sure to ask about the fees for notarization services so there are no surprises. It is important to make sure that you use a reputable notary public, as there have been cases of fraud in the past. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family, or you can search online for a notary public in your area. Once you have found a notary public, you will need to make an appointment and bring any documents that need to be witnessed or certified.
