Affidavit of Service (Form 6B / 26B): Notarize Online in Ontario
Need an affidavit of service sworn for an Ontario court (Form 6B or 26B)? Swear it online by video with a notary. How it works, what to bring, flat $19.90.
Last updated: June 5, 2026
Affidavit of Service (Form 6B / 26B): Notarize Online in Ontario
Quick answer: An affidavit of service is a sworn statement confirming how, when, and on whom a court document was served — in Ontario family court, that is often Form 6B (or Form 26B in enforcement contexts). The person who served the document can swear it before an Ontario notary public online, by secure video: show valid photo ID, swear the statement, and sign while the notary watches. It costs a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST. Many courts accept remotely commissioned affidavits, but confirm the specific court's current practice. The notary commissions it; the court rules govern whether service was valid.
After you serve a court document, the court needs proof — and that proof is a sworn affidavit of service. The swearing is quick, and for Ontario matters the server can swear it online over video, without a trip to an office.
This guide explains what the affidavit covers, who swears it, how to do it online, and where a lawyer or paralegal is the right call. If your affidavit is ready, you can book online or call (613) 434-5555. For the bigger picture, see our guide to online and virtual notary services and the affidavit guide.
Key Takeaways
| Decision point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Which form | Form 6B (service) or 26B (enforcement) | Use the form the court rules require. |
| Who swears | The person who served the document | They must have personal knowledge of the service. |
| Exhibits | A copy of what was served | Often attached and referred to in the affidavit. |
| Court acceptance | Whether the court takes remote commissioning | Most do, but confirm the specific court. |
| Price | Flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST | Same online or in person. |
What a Notary Can and Cannot Do
What a notary can and cannot do: A notary public administers the oath or affirmation, witnesses the signature, and commissions the affidavit of service. A notary does not decide whether service met the court rules, advise on how to serve, draft the affidavit, or give legal advice on your case. Those are matters of the court rules and, where you need advice, a lawyer or paralegal.
Minute Notary commissions affidavits as an Ontario notary public, including by video under O. Reg. 431/20. For advice on service or your proceeding, see notary vs lawyer in Ontario.
What the Affidavit of Service Covers
An affidavit of service sets out the facts of service so the court can confirm the other party received the document. It typically states:
- What document was served.
- Who was served (the party or their representative).
- How it was served (in person, by mail, by email, or another permitted method).
- When and where it was served.
- The server's identity and that they have knowledge of the service.
A copy of the document served is often attached as an exhibit. Ontario family court uses Form 6B for the affidavit of service, and Form 26B in enforcement contexts; use the form your matter and the court rules require.
How to Swear It Online — Step by Step
- Complete the affidavit, unsigned, with the details of service and any exhibit ready.
- Book the service and a time. Choose affidavits when you book online. Slots run on Ottawa time (America/Toronto).
- Join the video call and verify identity with valid government photo ID.
- Swear and sign the affidavit while the notary watches; exhibits are marked at signing.
- The notary commissions it and applies their seal.
- File it with the court as your proof of service.
What to Bring to Your Online Appointment
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| The completed affidavit, unsigned | You swear and sign in front of the notary. |
| A copy of the document served (exhibit) | Often attached and marked at signing. |
| Valid government photo ID | Required on camera. |
| A payment method | The flat fee plus HST is taken before release. |
Booking note: If several affidavits of service must be sworn (multiple parties served), each is the same flat rate and can be done in one appointment. Call (613) 434-5555 if you are unsure which form applies.
Online or In Person — How to Decide
| Your situation | Best channel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit ready, valid ID, court accepts remote | Online by video | Fastest; commissioned under O. Reg. 431/20. |
| The court requires in-person commissioning | In person | A few courts or proceedings still ask — confirm first. |
| Multiple affidavits of service to swear | Online by video | Each is the same flat rate, done in one session. |
| No working camera or quiet space | In person | The notary must see and hear you clearly. |
Why Swear It Online
Litigation timelines are tight, and the server is often a process server or a party juggling deadlines. The online route lets them swear the affidavit in about fifteen minutes from wherever they are, with same-day slots often available before a filing deadline. The trade-offs are the usual ones: a working camera, a quiet space, valid photo ID, the affidavit complete with exhibits, and a court that accepts remote commissioning.
A Quick Scenario
A party in Ottawa serves family-court documents on the other side by an approved method, then needs to file proof. They complete Form 6B with the details of service and attach a copy of what was served, join a fifteen-minute video appointment, show photo ID, swear the affidavit, and sign while the notary watches. The notary commissions it, and they file it with the court before the deadline.
When to Call a Lawyer or Paralegal Instead
- You are unsure how to serve a document or whether your service was valid.
- The proceeding is contested and you need advice on strategy.
- The court has specific rules you do not understand.
A notary commissions the affidavit; a lawyer or paralegal advises on the proceeding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the exhibit. Attach a copy of what was served if the affidavit refers to it.
- The wrong person swearing. Only the person with knowledge of the service can swear it.
- Signing before the appointment. Swear and sign in front of the notary.
- Assuming every court accepts remote swearing. Confirm the specific court's practice.
Where Clients Book From Across Ontario
Because the appointment is by video, the server can swear the affidavit from anywhere in Ontario for an Ontario proceeding. Clients book from across the province:
- Greater Toronto Area — Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oshawa, Pickering
- Eastern Ontario — Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall, Belleville, Brockville, Pembroke
- Central Ontario — Barrie, Peterborough, Orillia, Newmarket
- Southwestern Ontario — Hamilton, London, Kitchener–Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Windsor, Brantford, St. Catharines
- Northern Ontario — Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins
Pricing and Booking
| Service | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit of service | $19.90 per stamp | Flat rate plus HST, online or in person |
| Each additional stamp / seal | $19.90 | Same flat rate, no bulk tiers |
Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown in full before you pay. To book, choose affidavits when you book online, or call (613) 434-5555.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an affidavit of service (Form 6B or 26B)?
An affidavit of service is a sworn statement confirming how, when, and on whom a court document was served. In Ontario family court, Form 6B is the affidavit of service; Form 26B is used for an affidavit of service in enforcement contexts. The server swears the affidavit before a notary or commissioner. The notary commissions it; the court rules decide how service and proof must be done.
Can I notarize an affidavit of service online?
Yes. The person who served the document can swear the affidavit before an Ontario notary public over a secure video appointment under O. Reg. 431/20 — show valid government photo ID, swear the statement on camera, and sign while the notary watches. Many Ontario courts accept remotely commissioned affidavits, but confirm the specific court's current practice before relying on it.
Who swears the affidavit of service?
The person who actually served the document swears it — confirming what was served, how, when, and on whom. They must have personal knowledge of the service. The notary verifies their identity and commissions the affidavit; it does not verify that service was valid, which is a matter of the court rules.
What do I need for the appointment?
A device with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, valid government photo ID, and the completed affidavit of service (with any exhibits, such as a copy of what was served), unsigned. You sign in front of the notary, so do not sign beforehand.
How much does it cost?
Minute Notary charges a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST, the same online or in person. Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown before you pay, and nothing is confirmed until payment succeeds.
Can the notary tell me if my service was valid?
No. A notary commissions your sworn affidavit and verifies your identity. A notary does not advise on whether service met the court rules, how to serve, or your case. For that, speak to a lawyer or paralegal, or check the court's rules and guides.
Final Recommendation
If you need to file proof of service in an Ontario matter, complete the correct affidavit (Form 6B or 26B), attach a copy of what was served, and have the person who served it swear it online in a short video appointment. Confirm the court accepts a remotely commissioned affidavit. The notary makes the swearing official; the court rules govern whether service was valid, and a lawyer or paralegal can advise if you are unsure.
Book Your Appointment
Need to notarize an affidavit of service (Form 6B / 26B) in Ontario? Minute Notary commissions it by secure video — flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST.
- Book online: Request an appointment
- Call: (613) 434-5555
- Service page: Affidavits
- Related guide: Notarize an affidavit online
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Ottawa time)
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