Pension Purpose Attestation (Proof of Life): Notarize Online in Canada
Need a proof-of-life or residency attestation for a foreign pension? A notary can commission it online by video. How it works, what to bring, flat $19.90.
Last updated: June 11, 2026
Pension Purpose Attestation (Proof of Life): Notarize Online in Canada
Quick answer: A pension purpose attestation — often called a proof of life or life certificate — is a notarized statement confirming that a pension recipient is alive and, sometimes, confirming their residency, so a foreign pension authority keeps paying. The recipient can appear before an Ontario notary public online, by secure video: show valid photo ID and have the attestation commissioned. It costs a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST. Confirm with the pension authority first, because some require their own form or an in-person process and may not accept a remotely notarized attestation.
Many people who retire in Canada still receive a pension from another country, and those authorities periodically ask for proof that the recipient is still alive and resident. The notary step is quick, and where the authority accepts it, the recipient can do it online over video, without leaving home — which matters a lot for older or less mobile recipients.
This guide explains what a proof-of-life attestation is, how it works online, who must appear, and what to confirm first. If your form is ready, you can book online or call (613) 434-5555. For the bigger picture, see our guide to online and virtual notary services.
Key Takeaways
| Decision point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Who appears | The pension recipient | The point is to confirm they are alive. |
| The form | The pension authority's own form | Many have a specific format. |
| Acceptance | Whether the authority accepts remote notarization | Some require in-person — confirm first. |
| Identification | Recipient's valid government photo ID | Required on camera. |
| 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 verifies the recipient's identity and witnesses or commissions the attestation that they are alive (and, where stated, resident). A notary does not guarantee the foreign authority will accept it, complete the pension paperwork, or advise on your pension. The pension authority decides the form and whether a remotely notarized attestation is acceptable.
Minute Notary commissions and witnesses attestations as an Ontario notary public, including by video under O. Reg. 431/20 where the document allows.
How a Proof-of-Life Attestation Works
A foreign pension authority needs ongoing assurance that it is paying a living, eligible person. Periodically it sends a life certificate or proof-of-life form, asking the recipient to appear before an authorized official — often a notary — who confirms identity and witnesses the recipient signing or attesting. Some forms also ask the notary to confirm residency. The recipient must appear personally, because the whole purpose is to verify they are alive. Because requirements vary widely by country and authority, the single most important step is to confirm with the pension authority that it accepts a notarized attestation done by video before you book.
How to Notarize It Online — Step by Step
- Get the pension authority's form and confirm it accepts a remotely notarized attestation.
- Complete the form, unsigned, leaving the attestation for the appointment.
- Book the service and a time. Choose oaths and affirmations when you book online. Slots run on Ottawa time (America/Toronto).
- The recipient joins the video call and verifies identity with valid government photo ID.
- The recipient attests/signs while the notary watches; the notary completes their portion.
- The notary commissions or witnesses it and applies their seal.
- Return it to the pension authority as instructed.
What to Bring to Your Online Appointment
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| The pension authority's form, unsigned | The recipient attests and signs on the call. |
| The recipient's valid government photo ID | Required on camera to confirm identity. |
| Any reference number the authority provided | To match the attestation to the file. |
| A payment method | The flat fee plus HST is taken before release. |
Booking note: Helping an older relative? They can join from their own home, and a family member can be present to assist, but the recipient must appear and show ID. Call (613) 434-5555 with questions.
Online or In Person — How to Decide
| Your situation | Best channel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Authority accepts remote, recipient has ID | Online by video | Convenient, especially for less mobile recipients. |
| The authority requires in person | In person | Some pension bodies insist — confirm first. |
| Recipient cannot appear at all | Contact the authority | A proof-of-life check needs the recipient. |
| No working camera or quiet space | In person | The notary must see and hear the recipient clearly. |
Why Notarize It Online
Proof-of-life requests often land on older recipients for whom travelling to an office is hard. Doing it by video — from their own living room, with a family member helping if needed — removes that barrier while still meeting the verification the authority wants. The trade-offs: the recipient needs a working camera, a quiet space, and valid photo ID, and the authority must accept a remotely notarized attestation.
A Quick Scenario
A retiree in Vancouver receives a yearly life certificate from a pension authority abroad. They confirm the authority accepts a notarized attestation by video, complete the form, and join a fifteen-minute video appointment with their passport. The notary verifies identity, the recipient attests they are alive, and the notary completes and seals the form. The recipient mails it back in time to keep their pension flowing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking acceptance first. Some authorities require in person — confirm before booking.
- The recipient not appearing. A proof-of-life check needs the actual recipient on camera.
- Signing before the appointment. Attest and sign in front of the notary.
- Using the wrong form. Use the pension authority's own form.
Where Clients Book From Across Canada
Because the appointment is by video, clients join from major cities across Canada:
- Ontario — Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, London, Kitchener–Waterloo, Windsor, Kingston
- Quebec — Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke
- British Columbia — Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Victoria, Kelowna
- Alberta — Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray
- Prairies — Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon, Regina
- Atlantic — Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, St. John's, Charlottetown
- Territories — Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Iqaluit
Where you join the call does not, by itself, decide acceptance — the body receiving your document does. Confirm any provincial or foreign-authority requirement before booking.
Pricing and Booking
| Service | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pension proof-of-life attestation | $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 oaths and affirmations when you book online, or call (613) 434-5555.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pension purpose attestation?
It is a notarized statement — often called a proof of life or life certificate — confirming that a pension recipient is alive and, sometimes, confirming their residency, so a foreign pension authority continues payments. The notary verifies the recipient's identity and witnesses or commissions the attestation. The foreign pension body sets the form and decides whether it accepts a remotely notarized attestation.
Can a proof-of-life attestation be notarized online?
Often, yes. The recipient can appear before an Ontario notary public over a secure video appointment, show valid government photo ID, and have the attestation commissioned or witnessed. However, some foreign pension authorities require the form to be completed in person or have their own strict format — confirm with the pension authority before booking.
Who needs to appear for the attestation?
The pension recipient must appear, since the point is to confirm they are alive and to verify their identity. They show valid government photo ID on camera. If the recipient cannot appear themselves, contact the pension authority — a representative usually cannot stand in for a proof-of-life check.
What do I need for the appointment?
A device with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, the recipient's valid government photo ID, and the pension authority's attestation or life-certificate form, 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.
Final Recommendation
If a foreign pension authority asks for a proof-of-life or residency attestation, first confirm it accepts a notarized attestation done by video and use its own form. Then have the recipient appear in a short online appointment with valid photo ID — convenient for those who find travel hard. The notary verifies identity and completes the attestation; the pension authority decides acceptance, so the up-front check matters.
Book Your Appointment
Need a pension proof-of-life attestation notarized? 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: Oaths & Affirmations
- Related guide: Online & virtual notary in Canada
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Ottawa time)
