What is a Notary Public?

Key Takeaways

• A Notary Public verifies identities, ensures information given is done so willingly, and that the affiant understands what they’re signing.
• A Notary Public helps to prevent fraud and authenticates true copies of documents.
• You can connect with a Notary Public online with NotaryPro and get documents commissioned in 7 minutes.

A notary public is someone who is authorized to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. In some cases, a notary may also be a lawyer, paralegal, or law student.

The primary purpose of a notary public is to prevent fraud by:

• verifying the identity of the person signing the document
• ensuring that the person understands the nature of the document they’re signing 
• ensuring that the person is if sound mind and is signing willingly

You’ll frequently find notaries involved in real estate transactions, Wills and Estates, and other legal matters where it is important to have an impartial witness to the signing of a particular document.

Usually, a notary public will also be required to stamp or seal the document with an official notary seal.

Why Do Some Documents Need to be Notarized?

There are several reasons why a document may require the signature of a notary public. 

• Identity Verification 

The main reason documents require a notarization is to provide evidence that the signer is who they say they are. This is especially important if the document involves a significant financial transaction, like a real estate closing, or if it is being used as part of a legal proceeding.

• Assessing Capacity 

A lesser-mentioned, but equally important, reason to have a notary witness someone’s signature is to ensure that they understand what they’re signing, and are doing so under their own free will. A notary public can ask the person to swear or affirm that they are signing the document without being coerced by another person. 

• Authenticating a Document 

Finally, a notary public may be required to authenticate a document with their signature and seal. This is especially important if the document needs to be presented in a different jurisdiction, as the notary’s signature and seal can provide evidence that the document is genuine. This is often seen with immigration documents during a process called Authentication and Legalization, or with documents like Travel Consent Letters.

What Documents Must be Notarized?

Notary publics are authorized to notarize a wide variety of documents including: Statutory Declarations, Affidavits, and Powers of Attorney.

In general, a notary public can notarize any document that requires an official witness to the signing of the document.

However, there may be some restrictions on what types of documents a notary is authorized to notarize depending on which province they’re located in. Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to confirm that your particular document can be notarized.

Where Do I Find a Canadian Notary?

The easiest way to find a notary in your city is by searching for one online.

With more than 200 notaries across Canada, any of NotaryPro’s in-person notaries would be happy to assist you. However, if you’re in a pinch, NotaryPro also offers online notary services to complete your documents from anywhere.