Online & virtual notary service
Oaths & Affirmations
We administer oaths and affirmations for various legal, government, and official purposes. Whether you prefer a religious oath or a secular affirmation, we administer it and complete the jurat; whether the document is accepted is decided by the receiving body.
- Posted price
- $24.95 + HST
- Appointment length
- 3-4 minutes
- Where
- Online or by appointment
If more than one person is signing, an additional signer fee also applies.
Quick answer
Written by Kai Mai, Content Editor, Minute Notary. General information, not legal advice.
Oaths can be commissioned online over a secure video appointment with an Ontario Notary Public under O. Reg. 431/20, or handled in person in Ottawa. The flat rate is $24.95 + HST and most appointments take 3-4 minutes. Remotely commissioned affidavits and declarations are accepted by Ontario courts, ServiceOntario, IRCC, and most Canadian institutions; when the receiver is a foreign embassy or a land registry, ask them first.
- Posted price
- $24.95 + HST
- Appointment length
- 3-4 minutes
- Where
- Online or by appointment
- Hours
- 7 days a week, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Why it matters
Why Do You Need an Oath or Affirmation?
Oaths and affirmations are required in many situations to ensure the truthfulness and solemnity of statements or commitments.
When someone takes an oath, they are legally bound to tell the truth, with serious criminal penalties for false statements. This legal weight is why courts require witnesses to be sworn in, why citizenship ceremonies include an oath of allegiance, and why professional licensing bodies require oaths of ethical conduct. For documents like affidavits and statutory declarations, the oath or affirmation transforms a simple written statement into sworn testimony with legal consequences. Many government agencies, professional regulators, and organizations require oaths because the formal, sworn nature of the commitment provides greater assurance of truthfulness and sincerity.
What is oaths & affirmations?
An oath is a solemn promise to tell the truth or fulfill a commitment, traditionally invoking a deity or sacred text.
An affirmation serves the identical legal purpose but is a secular alternative for those who prefer not to make religious references. In Ontario and throughout Canada, both oaths and affirmations carry the same legal weight and consequences - there is no legal distinction between them. Notaries Public and Commissioners of Oaths are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations for various purposes including swearing in documents like affidavits and statutory declarations, professional licensing requirements, and various government applications. The person taking the oath or affirmation is bound by law to tell the truth, and making false sworn statements can result in criminal charges for perjury or making false statements.
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How to get oaths notarized
Straightforward process. Most appointments completed in minutes once we're face to face.
- 1
State Your Purpose
Explain why you need an oath or affirmation administered. Bring any forms or documents that require the oath, or tell us the specific oath you need.
- 2
Identity Verification
Present your valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will verify your identity before proceeding with the oath.
- 3
Choose Oath or Affirmation
Decide whether you prefer a religious oath (invoking a deity) or a secular affirmation. Both are legally identical - choose based on your personal preference.
- 4
Administration of Oath
Stand and repeat the oath or affirmation after the notary. If documents are involved, you'll sign them after taking the oath.
- 5
Certification
The Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths completes the certification, applies their seal if required, and provides any necessary documentation.
What's Included
- Religious oath or secular affirmation available
- Legally binding ceremonial administration
- Official documentation and certification provided
- Quick and straightforward process
- By appointment 7 days a week, including Saturday and Sunday
- Multiple oath types and purposes handled
- Commissioner of Oaths services included
- Professional and respectful service
Common Uses
- Oath of office for elected or appointed officials
- Citizenship oath ceremonies
- Court testimony preparation and pre-trial swearing
- Professional licensing and regulatory requirements
- Government application requirements
- Official declarations and sworn statements
- Corporate officer and director oaths
- Witness oaths for legal proceedings
What to bring
Requirements to bring with you
Please ensure you have the following items when you visit.
- 01Know the purpose and content of the oath
- 02Valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or Ontario Photo Card)
- 03Any required documentation or form
- 04Be present in person to take the oath
Is This For You?
Who Needs This Service
This service is commonly needed by the following groups.
- 01
New Citizens
The citizenship oath is a key part of becoming a Canadian citizen, swearing allegiance to Canada and promising to observe Canadian laws.
- 02
Elected & Appointed Officials
Many officials must take an oath of office before assuming their duties, swearing to faithfully perform their responsibilities.
- 03
Licensed Professionals
Doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other regulated professionals often must swear oaths related to ethical practice as part of licensing requirements.
- 04
Court Witnesses
Witnesses in legal proceedings must be sworn in before testifying, taking an oath or affirmation to tell the truth.
- 05
Corporate Officers
Directors, officers, and other corporate positions may require oaths of honesty, confidentiality, or faithful performance of duties.
Pro tips before your visit
Quick tips to make your appointment go smoothly.
- 01
No Religious Requirement
You are never required to swear a religious oath. The affirmation option exists for those of any faith or no faith who prefer a secular alternative.
- 02
Bring Required Forms
If a specific organization or agency requires an oath, bring their form. Some oaths have specific wording that must be used.
- 03
Understand the Commitment
An oath or affirmation is a serious legal commitment. Ensure you understand what you're swearing to and that you can truthfully make that commitment.
- 04
Quick Process
Administering an oath online takes 3-4 minutes on average. It's one of our quickest services, perfect for those on a tight schedule.
Transparent pricing
$24.95 + HST. Every fee shown before you pay.
The price you see is what you pay at the counter. HST applies. If more than one person is signing, an additional signer fee also applies.
Booking online instead? Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown in full before you pay.
See the full price breakdown, HST and card fee includedPricing details
- $24.95
First stamp / seal
Per document
- $24.95
Each additional stamp / seal
Each additional stamp
Ready when you are. Same-day slots available 7 days a week.
Breaking a sworn oath, particularly when made for legal purposes, can result in criminal charges including perjury if you knowingly make false statements. Both religious oaths and secular affirmations carry identical legal weight in Canada. A Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths is legally authorized to administer oaths in Ontario.
Where it gets done
Oaths: where and how it gets done
Oaths is handled by an Ontario Notary Public and Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. Here is where it gets done.
See all notary services in Ottawa
Hours. Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, including Saturday and Sunday.
Office
8056 Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard North, Ottawa, Ontario. Walk in by appointment; same-day slots most days.
Mobile visits
A notary comes to your home, hospital, care residence or office across the Ottawa area for one travel fee per trip.
Online
Affidavits and statutory declarations that qualify under O. Reg. 431/20 are commissioned over secure video from anywhere in Ontario. Certified copies and signature witnessing stay in person.
FAQs
Common questions about oaths
If your question is not here, .
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Book today
Ready to book your oaths?
$24.95 + HST. 3-4 minutes. Book online, with same-day slots available 7 days a week.
Oaths
$24.95 + HST · 3-4 minutes