Practice area
Many everyday legal tasks require a notary public or a commissioner for taking affidavits. As a lawyer and notary public, we notarize documents, certify true copies and commission affidavits and statutory declarations, and we prepare common letters such as invitation and travel consent letters.
Please call ahead to confirm availability and what to bring, so your appointment is quick and your documents are accepted by the organization that requested them.
How we help
Witnessing and notarizing signatures on documents for use in Canada or abroad.
Comparing copies to original documents and certifying them as true copies.
Drafting and commissioning sworn or affirmed statements for courts, governments and institutions.
Letters inviting family or friends to visit Canada, for visitor visa applications.
Consent letters for children travelling alone, with one parent or with others.
A commissioner for taking affidavits administers an oath or affirmation and witnesses the signature on an affidavit or statutory declaration. A notary public can do this and more, such as certifying true copies of original documents and notarizing signatures, which is often required for documents used outside Ontario. In Ontario, lawyers are commissioners by virtue of their office and may be appointed as notaries public.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear or affirm is true. A statutory declaration is similar and is often used for administrative purposes, such as confirming a name change, a lost document or a common-law relationship. Making a false statement in either one is a serious offence.
We can prepare the document for you or review one you have been given, then commission it once you confirm its contents.
A letter of invitation can support a relative's or friend's application to visit Canada. It usually explains the purpose and length of the visit, where the visitor will stay and who will pay for expenses, along with information about the host. Immigration authorities do not always require the letter to be notarized, but some applicants choose to have it notarized.
A consent letter is recommended when a child travels abroad alone, with only one parent or guardian, or with other adults. Border officials or airlines may ask for it, and having it notarized can make it more readily accepted.
Documents going to another country may need more than notarization. Since Canada joined the Apostille Convention in 2024, many Ontario documents bound for member countries can be authenticated with an apostille issued by the provincial authority. Requirements depend on the destination country, so check with the receiving organization first.
What to expect
Tell us what you need notarized or commissioned so we can confirm what to bring.
Bring your original documents, unsigned forms and valid government-issued photo identification.
We confirm your identity and understanding of the document, and you sign in our presence.
We apply our signature and seal, and the documents are ready to take with you.
Questions
We recommend calling ahead so we can confirm availability and tell you exactly what to bring.
The notary or commissioner must witness your signature and, for affidavits, administer an oath or affirmation. A document signed in advance usually needs to be signed again.
We must be satisfied that you understand what you are signing. For documents in a language we do not read, a certified translation or translator's affidavit may be needed. Call us to discuss your document.
In most cases, yes, when you bring the original. Some government documents have restrictions on copying, and some organizations have their own rules, so tell us what the copy is for.
Yes. We can prepare the letter based on your information and notarize it in the same appointment.
Learn more
Notarization & Affidavits
The difference between a notary public and a commissioner in Ontario, how affidavits and certified copies work, and how to prepare for your appointment.
3 min read
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Book a consultation with Baljit Singh Sandhu at our Mississauga office. We will listen, explain your options in plain language, and discuss fees before any work begins.