Toronto · North York · Serving the GTA

Notary Public and Commissioner Services in Toronto

Fast, reliable notarization, commissioning of affidavits, and certified true copies at our North York office, in English, Farsi, Russian and Serbian.

Notary Services lawyer in Toronto, Civitas Law Notary Services
Overview

What notary services covers in Ontario

When you need a document notarized or an affidavit commissioned, you usually need it done quickly, correctly, and by someone you can trust. As a lawyer and notary public, Nasibeh Mehrpouyan can notarize documents, commission affidavits and statutory declarations, and certify true copies for use in Canada and abroad.

We regularly help newcomers, students, and families with documents for immigration, travel, real estate, school, and matters in other countries. Because notarization requirements differ depending on where a document will be used, we take the time to confirm exactly what you need before you attend.

How we help

Services we handle in notary services

Direct access to your lawyer at every stage, with clear, honest advice about your options.

Notarization of documents for Canada and abroad

We notarize signatures and documents for use within Canada and in other countries, confirming identity and witnessing signing in person.

Commissioning of affidavits and statutory declarations

We administer the oath or affirmation and commission affidavits and statutory declarations for use in Ontario proceedings and applications.

Certified true copies of original documents

We compare a copy against the original and certify it as a true copy, a common requirement for passports, diplomas, and identity documents.

Consent to travel and parental authorization letters

We prepare and notarize travel consent and parental authorization letters, often needed when a child travels with one parent or another adult.

Documents for immigration, study, and sponsorship

We notarize and commission the declarations, invitation letters, and supporting documents frequently required for immigration and study applications.

Authentication and legalization guidance (apostille)

We explain when a document needs further authentication and legalization for foreign use and how to complete those additional steps.

Ontario context

The Ontario laws and process behind notary services

A notary public in Ontario can witness signatures, administer oaths and affirmations, certify that a copy is a true copy of an original, and notarize documents for use in Canada and internationally, while a commissioner for taking affidavits can administer oaths on affidavits and statutory declarations used within Ontario. Some documents intended for use in another country also require authentication and legalization, sometimes called an apostille, which is a further step handled through the province and the relevant consulate.

To be notarized, most documents must be signed in front of the notary, and you will need valid government photo identification. We will tell you in advance which service you need, what to bring, and whether any additional authentication step applies.

FAQs

Questions Toronto clients ask about notary services

Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most. Every matter is different, so treat these as a starting point.

What is the difference between a notary public and a commissioner of oaths?
A commissioner for taking affidavits can administer oaths and affirmations on affidavits and statutory declarations used within Ontario, while a notary public has broader authority, including certifying true copies and notarizing documents for use in other countries. Every lawyer in Ontario is a commissioner by virtue of their office, and many, including our firm, are also notaries.
What do I need to bring to have a document notarized?
You should bring the complete, unsigned document, since most documents must be signed in front of the notary, along with valid government issued photo identification. If the document is going to another country, let us know in advance so we can confirm whether any additional authentication is required.
Can you notarize documents that will be used in another country?
Yes. We regularly notarize documents for international use, and we will advise you whether the destination country also requires authentication and legalization, sometimes referred to as an apostille, which is a separate step beyond notarization.
Do you offer notary services in Farsi?
Yes. We provide notary and commissioner services in English, Farsi, Russian and Serbian, which is especially helpful when documents or clients require careful explanation in Farsi before signing.
How much does notarization cost?
Fees depend on the type of service and the number of documents or signatures involved. We provide a clear quote before you attend so there are no surprises, and simple single document notarizations are typically quick and affordable.
Can I get a certified true copy of my passport or diploma?
Yes. Bring the original document and we will compare it to the copy and certify the copy as a true copy of the original, which is a common requirement for applications that do not want you to mail the original.
What is a notary public?
A notary public is a person authorized to witness signatures, certify copies of documents, and administer oaths or affirmations for legal and official purposes. In Ontario, many notary services are provided by lawyers, who can also notarize documents as part of a broader range of legal services.
Who can be a notary public in Ontario?
In Ontario, notaries public are generally appointed under provincial law, and lawyers who are members of the Law Society of Ontario are automatically authorized to act as notaries public. Some non-lawyers can also be appointed as notaries for specific limited purposes, depending on their role and employer.
Do I need a lawyer to notarize a document in Toronto?
Notarization does not always require a lawyer, since some non-lawyers hold limited notary appointments, but a lawyer who is also a notary can notarize a wider range of documents and advise on any legal issues the document raises. This is useful when a document involves an international or legal matter.
What is the difference between notarization and an apostille in Ontario?
Notarization involves a notary witnessing a signature or certifying a copy, while an apostille or authentication is a further step confirming that notarization for use in another country, handled through the province and sometimes the relevant consulate. Not every notarized document requires this additional authentication step.
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