Notary Public vs. Commissioner of Oaths in Ontario: What's the Difference?

Two Services That Often Get Confused

If you've been told you need to "get something notarized" or have an affidavit sworn, you might not know exactly who to call. In Ontario, there are two distinct services: Notary Public and Commissioner of Oaths. They're not the same — and using the wrong one can mean your document gets rejected.

What Is a Commissioner of Oaths?

A Commissioner of Oaths is authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, and to witness the signing of sworn declarations and affidavits for use in Ontario. This is the service most commonly needed for documents used within Ontario — court affidavits, statutory declarations, income declarations, consent forms, and similar legal documents.

Most licensed paralegals in Ontario are also Commissioners of Oaths. The service is fast (typically 10–15 minutes), affordable, and can often be done in person or by appointment.

What Is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public has a broader authority than a Commissioner of Oaths. A Notary can certify copies of documents, authenticate signatures for use internationally, and prepare notarial certificates recognized outside Ontario or outside Canada. This is the service you typically need when dealing with foreign governments, immigration authorities, property transactions in other countries, or international business documents.

In Ontario, lawyers are Notaries Public by default. Licensed paralegals may also be appointed as Notaries Public under the Notaries Act. Sheybani Legal is authorized to provide both Commissioner of Oaths and Notary Public services.

When Do You Need Each One?

You need a Commissioner of Oaths when: filing an affidavit with an Ontario court or tribunal, signing a statutory declaration for government or employment purposes, swearing a document required by a school, bank, or employer within Ontario.

You need a Notary Public when: sending documents to a foreign country or embassy, certifying copies of passports, degrees, or official documents for use abroad, completing real estate transactions in another country, or processing certain immigration documents requiring apostille certification.

Get Your Documents Notarized in Toronto & the GTA

Sheybani Legal offers fast, affordable notary and affidavit services in Toronto and the surrounding GTA, including Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan. Same-day and evening appointments are available. Call 647-326-9651 or book online — we make it simple.