When an important document needs to be notarized, commissioned or certified, it is essential that the process be completed properly.

Nirman’s Law provides professional and convenient notary public and commissioner of oaths services in Ottawa. We assist individuals, families, professionals and businesses with affidavits, statutory declarations, certified true copies, consent to travel letters, invitation letters and many other documents.

Whether your document will be used in Ontario, elsewhere in Canada or in another country, our team can help you understand the notarization requirements and complete the appropriate notarial steps.

Contact Nirman’s Law to arrange an appointment with an Ottawa notary public.

Our Ottawa notary services include notarizing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, commissioning affidavits and statutory declarations, and certifying copies of original documents.

The service required will depend on the type of document, the organization requesting it and the country or jurisdiction where it will be submitted.

We can assist with the following services.

A notary public and a commissioner of oaths perform related but different functions.

A commissioner of oaths can administer an oath, affirmation or declaration when a person signs an affidavit, statutory declaration or other sworn document. The person signing must confirm that the information contained in the document is true.

A notary public can perform commissioning services and may also verify signatures and certify that copies of documents are true copies of the originals.

Nirman’s Law can review the signing instructions provided with your document and help determine whether it must be notarized or commissioned.

Some documents require the signer to swear an oath, make an affirmation or provide a solemn declaration.

An oath is generally made with reference to the signer’s religious beliefs. An affirmation is a non-religious alternative with the same legal significance. A solemn declaration is a formal confirmation that the information being provided is true.

Our commissioner can administer the appropriate oath, affirmation or declaration and witness your signature.

A certified true copy is a copy of an original document that has been examined and certified by a notary public as a true copy of the original presented.

Certified copies may be requested by universities, professional organizations, government departments, employers, financial institutions, immigration authorities and foreign organizations.

Documents commonly presented for true-copy certification include:

• Passports and identification documents
• Birth, marriage and death certificates
• Permanent resident cards
• Citizenship certificates
• Driver’s licences
• Diplomas, degrees and academic transcripts
• Professional licences and certificates
• Court and legal documents
• Corporate records
• Powers of attorney
• Wills and estate documents
• Bank and financial documents

You must bring the original document to your appointment. A photocopy generally cannot be certified without the notary examining the original.

Whether a particular document can be copied or certified may depend on the requirements of the organization requesting it.

A consent to travel letter may be recommended when a child travels outside Canada without both parents or legal guardians.

The letter commonly identifies the child, the accompanying adult, the travel dates and destination, and the parent or guardian providing consent. Border officials, airlines or foreign authorities may ask to see the letter.

We can notarize signatures on properly prepared consent to travel letters. Parents and guardians should review current travel requirements for their destination before departure.

Minor children coming to Canada to study may require custodianship documents as part of their study permit application.

These documents generally identify the custodian in Canada and confirm the arrangements made for the care and support of the minor student. Separate declarations may need to be signed by the child’s parents or legal guardians and by the Canadian custodian.

Nirman’s Law can commission or notarize custodianship declarations when the documents have been properly prepared.

A person applying to visit Canada may be asked to provide a letter of invitation from a relative, friend or business contact in Canada.

An invitation letter may include information about the visitor, the purpose and length of the visit, accommodation arrangements and the relationship between the visitor and the person providing the invitation.

Although notarization does not guarantee that a visa will be approved, the requesting authority may require or prefer a notarized invitation letter. We can notarize the signature of the person issuing a properly prepared letter.

Some passport, citizenship and identity-related applications may require declarations, certified copies or notarized supporting documents.

We can assist with the notarial portion of eligible passport-related documents, including administering declarations, witnessing signatures and certifying copies when permitted.

You remain responsible for confirming the latest application requirements with the government department, embassy, consulate or organization receiving the documents.

Documents being sent to another country may need more than notarization.

Depending on where the document was issued and where it will be used, the process may involve:

1. Preparing or obtaining the document
2. Notarizing the signature or certifying a copy
3. Obtaining an apostille or authentication certificate
4. Completing embassy or consular legalization when required

The exact process is determined by the document type, the issuing jurisdiction and the destination country.

Before your appointment, ask the organization receiving your document to confirm its requirements. This can help prevent delays, rejected documents and unnecessary processing.

An apostille is an official certificate that confirms the authenticity of a public official’s signature and authority. It may be required before a Canadian public document can be accepted in another country that participates in the Apostille Convention.

A notary public does not personally issue an apostille. Apostilles are issued by the appropriate Canadian government authority.

For documents issued or notarized in Ontario, the responsible authority will often be Ontario’s Official Documents Services. Other documents, including certain federal documents, may need to be submitted to Global Affairs Canada.

We can assist with the notarization or certified-copy stage and help you identify the next steps that may apply to your document. The government authority will make the final decision about whether the document is eligible for an apostille.

Authentication confirms that the signature and seal appearing on a Canadian document are genuine.

Authentication may still be required for certain documents or destination countries. The appropriate process depends on the document’s origin and the requirements of the receiving authority.

Notarization and authentication are separate processes. Having a document notarized does not automatically mean it has been authenticated or approved for use abroad.

Our team can help ensure that the document is properly notarized before it is submitted to the appropriate authentication authority.

Some countries that do not use the apostille process may require documents to be legalized by their embassy or consulate after authentication.

Each embassy and consulate establishes its own procedures, fees, forms and processing requirements. These requirements can change and may depend on the type of document being submitted.

We recommend confirming the current requirements directly with the relevant embassy, consulate or receiving organization. Nirman’s Law can provide the notarial services that may be required before the document enters the authentication or legalization process.

Depending on the document and the requesting authority’s instructions, our Ottawa notary public may be able to assist with:

• Affidavits
• Statutory declarations
• Sworn statements
• Oaths and affirmations
• Certified true copies
• Consent to travel letters
• Custodianship declarations
• Invitation letters
• Name and identity declarations
• Proof-of-life declarations
• Insurance declarations
• Employment-related declarations
• Professional licensing documents
• Educational documents
• Immigration-related documents
• Real estate documents
• Corporate and commercial documents
• Pension documents
• Foreign property documents
• Embassy and consular forms
• Lost-document declarations

Contact our office before your appointment when you are uncertain whether we can notarize or commission your particular document.

To help your appointment proceed efficiently, bring:

• The complete document requiring notarization or commissioning
• Valid, current government-issued photo identification
• Any instructions supplied by the receiving organization
• The original document when requesting a certified true copy
• All individuals whose signatures must be witnessed
• Any required supporting documents

Do not sign the document in advance when your signature must be witnessed.

The name on your identification should match the name appearing in the document. Let us know before the appointment when there is a difference between the names.

The notary must be satisfied regarding the signer’s identity, willingness to sign and understanding of the document. Additional information or identification may therefore be requested.

Why Choose Nirman’s Law for Notary Services in Ottawa?

Convenient Downtown Ottawa Location

Our office is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa and serves clients from across Ottawa and the surrounding communities.

Professional Legal Environment

Your documents are handled in a professional law-office setting with careful attention to identification, signatures and execution requirements.

Wide Range of Services

We assist with personal, immigration, educational, business, travel and international documents.

Clear Guidance

Notarial requirements can be confusing, particularly when documents will be used outside Canada. We explain the service being performed and help identify additional steps that may be required.

Efficient Appointments

We aim to complete straightforward notary and commissioning appointments efficiently while ensuring that the necessary formalities are properly followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a notary public and a commissioner of oaths?

A commissioner of oaths administers oaths, affirmations and declarations for documents such as affidavits and statutory declarations.

A notary public can generally perform those services and may also verify signatures and certify copies of original documents.

The organization requesting your document should tell you whether it needs to be notarized, commissioned or certified.

Can you commission an affidavit in Ottawa?

Yes. We commission affidavits and administer the oath or affirmation required when the signer confirms that the affidavit is true.

Bring the complete affidavit and valid government-issued identification. Do not sign it before the appointment when your signature must be witnessed.

Can you certify a copy of my passport?

A notary public can generally certify a copy after examining the original passport. You must bring the original passport to the appointment.

The organization receiving the copy may have specific wording, colour-copy or certification requirements, so review its instructions before attending.

Can you notarize a document for use outside Canada?

Yes, many documents intended for international use can be notarized in Ottawa. However, notarization may be only the first step.

The document may also require an apostille, authentication, translation or embassy legalization. Confirm the requirements with the foreign authority or organization receiving it.

Does a notary public issue apostilles?

No. An apostille is issued by an authorized government office, not by the notary public.

A notary may prepare a certified copy or notarize a signature before the document is submitted to the appropriate apostille authority.

What identification should I bring?

Bring valid and unexpired government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s licence or permanent resident card.

Additional identification may be requested depending on the document and circumstances.

Can someone else attend the appointment for me?

The person whose signature is being notarized or commissioned must generally appear before the notary or commissioner and provide identification.

Another person cannot swear an affidavit, make a declaration or have your signature witnessed on your behalf.

Can you prepare or revise my affidavit?

Notarizing or commissioning a document is different from drafting it or providing legal advice about its contents.

Because Nirman’s Law is a law firm, separate legal assistance may be available when you need help preparing a document or understanding its legal effect. Additional legal fees may apply.

How much do notary services cost?

The cost depends on the number and type of documents, the number of signatures, and whether certified copies or additional services are required.

Contact our office with details about your documents to obtain information about the applicable fee.

Do I need an appointment?

Contacting us in advance is recommended so that we can confirm availability, review the type of service required and tell you what to bring.

Book an Ottawa Notary Appointment

Need an affidavit commissioned, a signature notarized or a certified true copy of an important document?

Contact Nirman’s Law to arrange an appointment with a notary public or commissioner of oaths in Ottawa.

NIRMAN’S LAW
331 Somerset Street West
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J8

Phone: 613-226-8989
Email: info@NirmansLaw.com

Serving individuals, families and businesses throughout Ottawa with professional notary public and commissioner of oaths services.