Online Notary 101
In this blog post, we provide a helpful overview of key notary terms.
What is a notary public?
A notary public is someone who can legally verify that signatures, marks and copies of documents are true or genuine. They can also legally administer oaths, affirmations or statutory declarations. The Ontario Notaries Act sets out who can be a notary and what they can do. Generally, notaries in Ontario are licensed lawyers or paralegals and are members in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario. Notaries must be appointed by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
What is a commissioner of oaths and affidavits?
A commissioner of oaths and affidavits can legally administer oaths, affirmations or declarations. The Ontario Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act sets out who can be a commissioner and what they can do. In Ontario, notaries are also commissioners of oaths and affidavits.
What does “notarization” mean?
There are three steps to completing a notarization:
The notary verifies the client’s identity
The notary verifies the client’s signature on the document, or in the case of a certified true copy, confirms that the copy is authentic
The notary signs the document and adds their notary seal
What does “commissioning a document” mean?
There are three steps to commissioning a document:
The commissioner or notary verifies the client’s identity
The commissioner or notary asks the client to swear the declaration, oath or affirmation and sign the document
The commissioner or notary signs the document
What is virtual commissioning?
Online commissioning is also called online notarization, remote online notarization, e-notarization, virtual notarization or virtual commissioning. It is the process for commissioning oaths, affidavits, statutory declarations and other documents using technology like web conferencing instead of meeting with a notary in person. Notarize.ca uses the terms “online commissioning” and “online notarization” interchangeably.
What are statutory declarations, affidavits and certified true copies?
A statutory declaration is a legal document that allows a person to declare that something is true in order to satisfy a legal requirement. Examples include statutory declarations of common law status and statutory declarations in lieu of guarantor.
An affidavit is a written sworn statement of fact made under oath or affirmation. Examples include OSAP affidavits, affidavits of identity and affidavits of service.
A certified true copy is a copy of an original document that a notary public has certified as a true and authentic copy. Examples include certified true copies of diplomas, degrees, college and university transcripts, passports and drivers’ licences.
Questions?
Have more questions about online notary services? We’re here to help. Email us at hello@notarize.ca or call us at (888) 632-9971. Our team will respond to you as soon as possible.