Finding a Commissioner of Oaths Near You

Key Takeaways

• A commissioner of oaths is authorized to administer oaths and affirmations for legal documents such as Affidavits and Statutory Declarations.

• Commissioners differ from notaries public, who have broader powers, including certifying true copies and authenticating documents.

• Commissioners can be found at courthouses, ServiceOntario centres, municipal offices, law firms, and through private notaries.

• Since 2020, Ontario has allowed remote commissioning via secure video call for added convenience.

• Book your online notary appointment with us today to meet a notary or commissioner in as little as 7 minutes.

If you need to find a commissioner of oaths near you to have documents commissioned, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Here, we’ll outline where you can easily find a commissioner and explore their role in greater detail.

Who Is a Commissioner of Oaths?

Commissioners of oaths are individuals authorized to administer oaths and solemn affirmations to commission legal documents. These documents can be used for court, other legal matters, and administrative purposes. Commissioners are also sometimes known as commissioners for taking affidavits.

When you make an oath or affirmation before a commissioner, you’re swearing or affirming that the information in your document is accurate. Once you make the affirmation, you sign your document in front of the commissioner, and they witness your signature. These documents can include Affidavits, Statutory Declarations, and more.

In Ontario, commissioners of oaths are regulated by the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act. Their role is similar to, but not the same as, that of a notary public. Both commissioners and notaries can administer oaths and affirmations for Affidavits or Statutory Declarations.

However, unlike a notary, a commissioner of oaths cannot certify true copies of documents and is restricted to administering oaths and affirmations. By contrast, notaries have broader powers under the Notaries Act, including verifying signatures, authenticating documents, and certifying true copies of documents. 

In addition, every lawyer and paralegal in Ontario is automatically a commissioner. Becoming a notary, however, is not automatic. 

See our detailed guide here to learn more about becoming a notary public in Ontario.

What Happens During a Commissioning Appointment?

Commissioning involves making an oath or affirmation to swear or affirm that the details you’ve provided in your document are true. You must make this oath or affirmation in front of an authorized official, like a notary public or commissioner of oaths.

To “swear” is to make an oath on a religious text (like the Torah or the Bible). To “affirm” is to make a solemn promise you profess to be true. The law will view your evidence equally, whether you affirm or swear your document. 

Swearing or affirming that the contents of your document are accurate holds the same weight as making an oath in a court of law. It’s important to be truthful, as providing false information may be considered perjury under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Here’s how a commissioning appointment typically works:

• You’ll show a valid government-issued ID so the notary or commissioner can confirm your identity.
• You’ll be asked to swear or affirm that the information in your document is true.
• The notary ensures you understand the contents of the document and are signing it voluntarily.
• You’ll sign and date the document while the notary witnesses your signature.
• The notary or commissioner will sign the document too, and apply their official stamp or seal to complete the process.

Responsibilities of a Commissioner of Oaths

A commissioner of oaths has the authority to witness and validate certain legal documents. Their responsibilities include:

• Administering oaths and solemn affirmations.
• Taking Affidavits and Statutory Declarations.
• Confirming your identity before signing to prevent fraud.
• Ensuring that you sign a your document voluntarily and understand its contents.
• Making sure that the contents of your document are true and accurate.
• Witnessing your signature.

Documents That a Commissioner of Oaths Can Commission

Below are some of the documents a commissioner of oaths can commission:

• Declarations affirming parentage
• Forms for government departments and financial institutions
• Name Change Affidavits, name change applications, and birth registration corrections
• Insurance claim forms, such as Proof of Loss forms. 
• Statutory Declarations 
• Sworn Statement for the Transfer of a Used Motor Vehicle
• Sworn Statements for Family Gift of a Used Vehicle 
• Statutory Declarations in Lieu of a Guarantor (passport / permanent residency applications)
• General Affidavits
• Pension attestations
• Affidavits for travel (e.g., lost passport declarations)
• Single-status documents
• Statutory Declarations of Common-Law Union
• Affidavits related to divorces, separations, custody, or estates.
• Court-related documents with a court file number
• Travel Consent Letters for children travelling abroad
• Invitation Letters for visitor visas
• OSAP Affidavits 

Applications connected to federal or municipal government processes (e.g., planning, heritage, immigration, or COVID-19 entry forms).

Documents That a Commissioner of Oaths Cannot Commission

A commissioner of oaths cannot sign the following documents:

• Certified true copies of documents.
• Forms that require both commissioning and certified attachments (with the exception of federal permanent residency applications).
• Affidavits of true identity for marriage licenses (a notary public must sign these).
• Documents requiring international notarization, such as those for apostille or legalization. 

Can a Notary Public Act as a Commissioner of Oaths in Ontario? 

Yes. In Ontario, every notary public automatically has the powers of a commissioner of oaths under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act. This means that when you meet with a notary, they can also administer oaths, solemn affirmations, Affidavits, and Statutory declarations.

It’s important to understand the overlap: all notaries are commissioners, but not all commissioners are notaries. By choosing a notary, you cover both commissioning and notarization in a single appointment.

Where to Find Commissioner Services in Ontario

You may need a commissioner of oaths for a variety of different reasons. In Ontario, where you go depends on what process you need to complete. See some scenarios below to learn where to find a commissioner for your specific purposes:

Filling Court Documents

If you are filing court documents, you can usually find a court official at a courthouse who is authorized to take Affidavits. This allows you to swear or affirm your document on the spot, although availability may depend on the courthouse.

Transferring or Gifting a Vehicle

You can visit the nearest ServiceOntario centre for commissioner services. They can commission documents for vehicle ownership transfers or gifting a vehicle.

Accessing Ontario Government Services

If your document is for an Ontario government program or service, you can have it commissioned at a ServiceOntario centre. However, you cannot have certain legal, financial, and federal documents commissioned at ServiceOntario; it’s best to check whether your document is eligible in advance.

Obtaining Business or Zoning Licenses

For business licences or zoning variances, you can swear your document before a municipal clerk at City Hall or local municipal office.

Commissioning for Private or Commercial Transactions

If you need documents commissioned for private or commercial purposes, you can:

• Search the Yellow Pages for a local notary or commissioner
• Ask at your local library for help locating one in your community

Seeking Legal Help or Representation

Most lawyers and paralegals in Ontario are commissioners of oaths and can provide commissioning services at their offices.

Commissioning Any Document Online

Traditional in-person options come with limitations such as business hours, a commute, and restricted service types. The most convenient option is booking an online commissioning service. Our notaries are also commissioners, so you can book instantly and have your document commissioned securely over a video call.

Meet With a Notary or Commissioner Online

Since August 1, 2020, Ontario law has permitted the practice of remote commissioning. It is recognized under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act, O. Reg. 431/20. This means Affidavits and Statutory Declarations can be commissioned legally through a secure video call, provided the process follows the regulations’ requirements.

For you, this means no travel or waiting in line. You can book an online notary appointment with us and have your documents commissioned without leaving home. Our commissioning process can take as little as 7 minutes. You can connect from anywhere with Wi-Fi, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Accessible Commissioning Services Near You

A Commissioner of Oaths helps you swear or affirm that the contents of your legal documents are true. You can find commissioners at courthouses, ServiceOntario centres, municipal offices, or law firms. Today, you can also meet with a commissioner online, making the process faster and more convenient.

With us, you skip the hassle of long waits and limited availability. Our online commissioning appointments are secure and only take 7 minutes. Ready to get started? Book your online notary appointment today and complete your commissioning from the comfort of your home.