Find a notary public or commissioner of oaths for taking affidavits
An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, often used as evidence in court. A notary public or commissioner of oaths can administer your oath or affirmation.
Overview
Commissioners for taking affidavits (sometimes referred to as commissioners of oaths) take affidavits or declarations by asking you to swear or affirm that what is in a document is true.
In Ontario, they’re governed under the Commissioners for taking Affidavits Act.
A notary public has all the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits and, can verify that signatures, marks and copies of documents are true or genuine. Notaries are governed under the Notaries Act.
Every lawyer and paralegal in Ontario is also automatically a commissioner for taking affidavits.
When you need an affidavit
You may need an affidavit or declaration when you’re:
- in court, for example, small claims, family and/or civil court
- transferring ownership of a used vehicle to another person
- gifting a used vehicle to a member of your family
- applying for a municipal licence or an exception to a zoning restriction (also known as a zoning variance)
Where to find a notary public or commissioner of oaths
For court documents
If you need an affidavit for a court proceeding (e.g. small claims, family or court), visit the courthouse where you’re filing your documents and confirm/affirm an oath in front of a court official who is authorized to take affidavits.
A fee may be charged for this service.
Transferring or gifting a vehicle
If you’re transferring ownership of your vehicle to another person or gifting it to a member of your family, visit your nearest ServiceOntario centre that offers commissioner of oaths services.
A fee may be charged for this service.
To get Ontario government services
If you need an affidavit in order to get services from the Government of Ontario, you can take your documents to the nearest ServiceOntario centre that offers commissioner of oaths services. ServiceOntario does not commission oaths for certain legal, financial or federal purposes.
A fee may be charged for this service.
Municipal business and zoning
If you need an affidavit for a municipal business (e.g. a municipal licence or zoning variances), you can swear an oath in front of a clerk at city hall or the municipal office.
A fee may be charged for this service.
For private or commercial transactions
If you need documents to be notarized or commissioned for private and commercial transactions:
- check the yellow pages
- go to your local library and speak to someone about how to find a notary or commissioner in your community
A fee may be charged for this service.