Notary Public vs. Commissioner of Oaths in Ontario: What's the Difference?
If you have been told you need something "notarized" or "commissioned," it is easy to get confused. A Notary Public and a Commissioner of Oaths do overlap, but they are not the same thing — and knowing which you need saves a trip.
What a Commissioner of Oaths does
A Commissioner for Taking Affidavits (Commissioner of Oaths) can administer oaths and take affidavits and statutory declarations — sworn statements — for use within Ontario. If a form says "sworn before a commissioner," this is usually what it means.
What a Notary Public does
A Notary Public can do everything a commissioner can, and more: certify true copies of documents, witness signatures, and notarize documents intended for use outside Ontario or in another country. Notary services are what you typically need for documents going abroad.
Which one do you need?
As a rule of thumb: for a sworn statement used in Ontario, a commissioner is often enough; for certified copies, or anything going to another province or country, you need a notary. When in doubt, ask the organization that requested the document exactly what they require.
Lawyers are notaries
Because he is a lawyer, Cristian Combei is a Notary Public — so both commissioner and notary services are available in one place, in North York. If you are not sure which you need, we can help you figure it out.
