Notarial Certificate

A notarial certificate is a formal written statement by a commissioned notary public in Ontario confirming that a specific notarial act has been performed. It is attached to (or endorsed on) the document being authenticated and bears the notary's signature, printed name, commission details, and official seal. The certificate records what the notary witnessed or verified: typically that a named person appeared, proved their identity, and signed the attached document in the notary's presence.

Unlike a simple jurat (the clause on an affidavit), a notarial certificate stands as its own document, usually on a separate page attached to the principal document and bound under seal. It provides a complete chain of authentication that foreign authorities can independently verify.

Notarial certificates are most often needed when a document must be used outside Ontario or outside Canada. Foreign governments, embassies, international businesses, and overseas institutions frequently require that documents be "notarized" before they will accept them.

The notary authenticates the act of signing, not the content of the document. This is an important distinction. The certificate confirms that you appeared in person, were positively identified, and signed in the notary's presence. It does not certify that the statements in the document are true or that the document is legally sound.

In Ontario, the Notaries Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. N.6) grants notaries public the authority to administer oaths, take affidavits and declarations, authenticate the execution of documents, and certify copies. The notarial certificate is the formal record of that authentication.

Because the notarial certificate is attached to your existing document rather than generating a standalone agreement, the form itself is minimal.

The appointment is typically quick. The notary confirms your identity, watches you sign (or, in limited circumstances, acknowledges a signature already made), prepares the certificate, signs it, and applies the embossed or inked notarial seal. The certificate and your document are physically attached so they cannot be separated without evidence of tampering.

Canada is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. A notarial certificate is the Ontario-level authentication. For documents going to countries that require further authentication, you may need additional steps through Global Affairs Canada or the destination country's consulate. Check with the receiving institution before your appointment so you know whether the notarial certificate alone is sufficient or whether further legalisation is needed.

Ontario Regulation 431/20 permits certain commissioning acts to be performed remotely over two-way audio-video, provided both you and the notary are in Ontario during the call. However, some foreign jurisdictions or receiving parties specifically require an in-person notarization. Confirm with the requesting institution before booking a virtual appointment to avoid having to redo the process.