Skip to main content
    MobileNotaryNet icon
    MobileNotaryNetNotary Directory
    Canada Education Hub

    How Notaries Public Work Across Canada

    Canada doesn't have a single notarial system. Ontario uses lawyers and licensed paralegals. British Columbia has a distinct Notary Public profession. Quebec operates under civil law with notaires. The territories combine appointed notaries with Commissioners for Oaths. Use the guides below to learn what applies to your province.

    Ontario

    ON

    In Ontario, only lawyers, paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, and a limited number of non-lawyers appointed by the Attorney General may act as a Notary Public.

    Read the Ontario guide

    British Columbia

    BC

    British Columbia has a unique system: BC Notaries are a distinct profession with broader powers than notaries in most other provinces, including the authority to prepare non-contentious legal documents such as wills and conveyances.

    Read the British Columbia guide

    Quebec

    QC

    Quebec operates under a civil-law system. Notaries (notaires) are public officers and legal professionals with far broader authority than common-law notaries — they draft authentic acts, handle estates, and act as legal advisors.

    Read the Quebec guide

    Alberta

    AB

    In Alberta, lawyers and certain designated professionals may serve as Notaries Public. Many routine commissioning services may also be performed by a Commissioner for Oaths.

    Read the Alberta guide

    Manitoba

    MB

    In Manitoba, lawyers in good standing are notaries by virtue of their call. The Attorney General may also appoint Notaries Public from other professions.

    Read the Manitoba guide

    Saskatchewan

    SK

    Saskatchewan lawyers are notaries by virtue of their Law Society membership. Other individuals may be appointed Notaries Public by the Minister of Justice.

    Read the Saskatchewan guide

    Nova Scotia

    NS

    In Nova Scotia, lawyers are notaries by virtue of their call. The Minister of Justice may also appoint Notaries Public.

    Read the Nova Scotia guide

    New Brunswick

    NB

    New Brunswick lawyers are notaries by virtue of their call. Additional Notaries Public may be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

    Read the New Brunswick guide

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    NL

    In Newfoundland and Labrador, lawyers are notaries by virtue of their call. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may also appoint Notaries Public.

    Read the Newfoundland and Labrador guide

    Prince Edward Island

    PE

    PEI lawyers are notaries by virtue of their call. Other individuals may be appointed Notaries Public on application.

    Read the Prince Edward Island guide

    Yukon

    YT

    In Yukon, lawyers may act as Notaries Public, and the Commissioner of Yukon may appoint others.

    Read the Yukon guide

    Northwest Territories

    NT

    In the NWT, lawyers may act as Notaries Public, and the Commissioner may appoint others. Many routine acts may also be performed by Commissioners for Oaths.

    Read the Northwest Territories guide

    Nunavut

    NU

    Notaries Public in Nunavut are appointed under the Notaries Public Act. Lawyers practising in Nunavut may also act as notaries.

    Read the Nunavut guide

    The Hague Apostille in Canada (since January 11, 2024)

    Canada acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024. Documents previously had to be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and then legalized at the destination country's embassy. Under the new process, an apostille from Global Affairs Canada (or designated provincial competent authorities in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan) is sufficient for use in any Hague Convention member country.

    A notary's signature is typically the first step — your document is notarized in your province, then sent for apostille issuance.