Remote service availability depends on the document, applicable requirements and the receiving organization. Ask our office to review suitability before booking; some services require an in-person appointment.
Why identity checks are mandatory
Notaries and commissioners in Ontario carry out their duties under statutory and professional rules. The Notaries Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. N.6) and the standards set by the provincial law society make confirming a signer’s identity an essential part of the notarial process. A notarization tells governments, courts, banks or other recipients that the person who signed a document is who they claim to be; without reliable identity verification the notarial certificate would be meaningless and could enable fraud.
How notaries verify identity
The accepted primary method of identity verification is a government-issued photo identification document. A notary must visually inspect the original document, confirm it is not expired, compare the photo to the person present, and ensure the name on the ID matches the name used on the document being notarized. These steps are taken to protect everyone involved and to preserve the integrity of the notarial act.
Is remote notarization allowed?
Remote service availability depends on the document, applicable requirements and the receiving organization. Ask our office to review suitability before booking; some services require an in-person appointment.
Limits on online notarial services
Certified true copies are available in person only. Bring the complete original document for inspection. We do not offer certified true copies through online or remote appointments.
What if you don’t have acceptable ID?
If you cannot produce the required government-issued photo identification, a notary or commissioner will generally be unable to proceed. Because identity verification is a legal obligation, skipping or substituting inadequate proof is not permitted. The practical result is that the notarial act cannot be completed until acceptable identification is presented.
Practical tips before your appointment
- Bring original government-issued photo ID that is current and unexpired.
- Make sure the name on the ID matches the name shown on the document to be notarized.
- For remote statutory declarations or affidavits, position your camera so the commissioner can clearly view your ID and your face.
- If you expect non-standard circumstances (name changes, lost ID), contact the office ahead of time to clarify what will or will not be accepted.
Conclusion
Remote service availability depends on the document, applicable requirements and the receiving organization. Ask our office to review suitability before booking; some services require an in-person appointment.