Statutory Declaration of Residency: Notarize Online in Ontario
Need a statutory declaration of residency? Commission it online by video with an Ontario notary — a declaration, not a certified bill. How it works, flat $19.90.
Last updated: June 13, 2026
Statutory Declaration of Residency: Notarize Online in Ontario
Quick answer: A statutory declaration of residency is a sworn statement of where you live, used when an organization wants proof of residency as a declaration. You can commission it before an Ontario notary public online, by secure video: show valid photo ID, declare the contents are true, and sign while the notary watches. It costs a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST. Important: it must be a declaration, not a notary-certified copy of a utility bill — those are different, and a certified copy of a paper bill must be done in person.
Proof of residency comes up for banks, benefits, schools, insurance, and government programs. Sometimes a sworn declaration of where you live is exactly what is needed. The notary step is quick, and for Ontario residents the declaration can be commissioned online over video, without an office visit.
This guide explains what the declaration is, how it differs from certifying a bill, how to commission it online, and what to bring. If your declaration 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 statutory declaration guide.
Key Takeaways
| Decision point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Declaration vs. certified bill | The receiver wants a sworn declaration | A certified copy of a paper bill is a different, in-person service. |
| Wording | The receiver's required text | A declaration must say what the receiver asked. |
| Identification | Valid government photo ID | Required on camera. |
| Acceptance | Whether the receiver takes a remote declaration | Confirm before booking. |
| 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 solemn declaration, witnesses your signature, and commissions the declaration. A notary does not verify that you actually live where you say, decide whether it satisfies the receiver, or draft the legal content. You are responsible for the truth of the declaration; the receiver decides if it meets their requirement.
Minute Notary commissions declarations as an Ontario notary public, including by video under O. Reg. 431/20.
Declaration of Residency vs. Certified Copy of a Bill
This is the distinction people most often get wrong:
- A statutory declaration of residency is a sworn statement — you declare, under oath or affirmation, where you live. This can be done online.
- A certified true copy of a paper utility bill or statement is the notary confirming a photocopy matches the paper original. That requires an in-person appointment, because the notary must inspect the paper.
Before booking, confirm which one the receiver actually wants. If they will accept a sworn declaration of where you live, this online service fits. If they specifically want a certified copy of a paper bill, see our certified true copies service — and note that a document issued electronically can be a digital certified copy online.
How to Commission It Online — Step by Step
- Prepare the declaration, unsigned, using the receiver's wording where they provide it.
- Book the service and a time. Choose statutory declarations when you book online. Slots run on Ottawa time (America/Toronto).
- Join the video call and verify identity with valid government photo ID.
- Declare and sign that the contents are true, while the notary watches.
- The notary commissions it and applies their seal.
- Submit it to the organization that requested it.
What to Bring to Your Online Appointment
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| The declaration, unsigned | You declare and sign in front of the notary. |
| The receiver's required wording | A declaration must say what was asked. |
| Valid government photo ID | Required on camera. |
| A payment method | The flat fee plus HST is taken before release. |
Booking note: If you are unsure whether the receiver wants a declaration or a certified copy, ask them first. Call (613) 434-5555 if you have questions.
Online or In Person — How to Decide
| Your situation | Best channel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver wants a sworn declaration | Online by video | Commissioned under O. Reg. 431/20. |
| Receiver wants a certified copy of a paper bill | In person | The notary must inspect the paper original. |
| Bill was issued electronically | Online (digital certified copy) | Downloaded live on screen-share, then certified. |
| No working camera or quiet space | In person | The notary must see and hear you clearly. |
Why Commission It Online
A proof-of-residency request is usually time-sensitive — a bank, a benefit, an enrolment. The online route lets you declare it in about fifteen minutes from home, with same-day slots often available. The trade-offs are the usual ones: a working camera, a quiet space, valid photo ID, and a declaration in the form the receiver wants.
A Quick Scenario
A newcomer in Ottawa is asked by an institution to provide a sworn declaration of residency. They confirm a declaration (not a certified bill) is acceptable, prepare it with the required wording, join a fifteen-minute video appointment, show photo ID, declare the contents are true, and sign while the notary watches. The notary commissions it, and they submit it the same day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing it with a certified bill. A certified copy of a paper bill is in-person and different.
- Using vague wording. Use the receiver's wording where provided.
- Signing before the appointment. Declare and sign in front of the notary.
- Expired ID. Valid government photo ID is required on camera.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory declaration of residency | $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 statutory declarations when you book online, or call (613) 434-5555.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a statutory declaration of residency?
It is a sworn or solemn declaration in which you state where you reside, often with relevant facts such as how long you have lived there. It is used when an organization needs proof of residency as a sworn statement. Note it must be formatted as a declaration — it is not the same as a notary certifying a copy of a utility bill. The notary commissions the declaration; the receiver decides if it meets their requirement.
Can I notarize a residency declaration online?
Yes. The declaration can be commissioned before an Ontario notary public over a secure video appointment under O. Reg. 431/20 — show valid government photo ID, solemnly declare the contents are true, and sign while the notary watches. Confirm the organization receiving it accepts a remotely commissioned declaration.
Is a declaration of residency the same as a certified copy of a bill?
No. A certified true copy of a paper utility bill is a different service and must be done in person, because the notary inspects the paper original. A statutory declaration of residency is a sworn statement of where you live. Make sure the receiver actually wants a declaration, not a certified copy of a document.
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 declaration itself, unsigned, using the receiver's wording where provided. 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 you need a statutory declaration of residency, first confirm the receiver wants a sworn declaration rather than a certified copy of a bill. Use their wording, then commission it online in a short video appointment with valid photo ID. The notary makes the declaration official; you are responsible for its truth, and the receiver decides if it meets their requirement.
Book Your Appointment
Need a statutory declaration of residency 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: Statutory Declarations
- Related guide: Statutory declaration online in Canada
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Ottawa time)
Sources
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