What Is a Commissioner of Oaths?
A Commissioner of Oaths is a person appointed by the provincial government under Ontario’s Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act who is authorized to witness the signing of legal documents, administer oaths, and take affidavits and statutory declarations.
When you sign a legal document in front of a Commissioner of Oaths, you are swearing or affirming that the contents are true. The Commissioner verifies your identity, witnesses your signature, and certifies the document with their signature and seal — making it legally valid for use in Ontario courts, government agencies, and institutions.
What We Can Commission
Written sworn statements of fact used in court proceedings, immigration applications, financial matters, and other legal contexts requiring witnessed declarations.
Formal declarations made under the Canada Evidence Act or Ontario statutes, used where a sworn oath is required by law — such as for government forms or insurance claims.
Sworn parental consent letters authorizing a minor child to travel internationally with one parent or a third party, as required by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Commissioning of affidavits of support, sponsor declarations, and other sworn documents required by IRCC or the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Affidavits and sworn declarations for use in Small Claims Court, Landlord and Tenant Board proceedings, and other Ontario tribunals and courts.
Commissioning of forms required by government agencies, banks, insurance companies, pension administrators, and other institutions that require a sworn signature.
How the Commissioning Process Works
Book Your Appointment
Contact us by phone, email, or online to schedule. Many appointments are available same-day or next-day. Walk-ins welcome when available.
Bring Your Document (Unsigned)
Bring your completed but unsigned document. You must sign in front of the Commissioner — pre-signed documents cannot be commissioned.
Identity Verification
The Commissioner will verify your identity using government-issued photo ID. Bring a valid passport, driver’s licence, or provincial ID card.
Take the Oath & Sign
You will be asked to swear an oath or make a solemn affirmation that the contents of your document are true. You then sign in the presence of the Commissioner.
Commissioner Signs & Seals
Your document is now legally commissioned and ready to use.
FAQs
Can I have my document commissioned if I already signed it?
No. The signature must be witnessed in person by the Commissioner of Oaths. A pre-signed document cannot be commissioned. Please bring your document unsigned and complete, and sign it in the Commissioner’s presence during your appointment.
What ID do I need to bring?
You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a Canadian passport, provincial driver’s licence, Ontario Photo Card, or Permanent Resident Card. Expired ID is not acceptable. If you are unsure whether your ID qualifies, contact us in advance.
Do I need a Commissioner of Oaths or a Notary Public?
It depends on how and where the document will be used. For documents used within Ontario (court filings, government forms, LTB applications), a Commissioner of Oaths is usually sufficient and less expensive. For documents used outside Ontario or internationally — or where certification of a true copy is required — a Notary Public is typically needed. We offer both services and can advise you at no charge.
Can a Commissioner of Oaths certify a copy of a document?
In Ontario, a Commissioner of Oaths has limited authority to certify true copies — this is generally done by a Notary Public. However, a Commissioner can commission an affidavit in which you swear that a copy is a true copy of the original. If you need a formally certified true copy, we recommend booking with our Notary Public service.
How much does commissioning cost?
Our commissioning fees are straightforward and competitive. Fees vary depending on the number of documents and complexity. Contact us directly for a quote — there is no charge for the initial inquiry, and we’re transparent about our pricing upfront.
Is there anything a Commissioner of Oaths cannot do?
Yes. A Commissioner of Oaths cannot certify documents for use outside Ontario, issue Apostilles, authenticate documents for international use, take affidavits in matters in which they have a personal interest, or provide legal advice. For these services, a Notary Public or licensed legal professional is required.