Notary Public in Ontario
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.
Who can act as a notary in Ontario
Practising Ontario lawyers and paralegals are notaries by virtue of their licence. Other professionals (e.g., accountants, engineers, MPs) may apply to be appointed, typically for use within their profession.
Common notarial services
- Notarizing signatures on affidavits, statutory declarations, and consents
- Certifying true copies of original documents
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Witnessing signatures on travel consent letters and powers of attorney
How fees work
Ontario does not set a fixed statutory tariff for notarial services — mobile notaries set their own rates based on travel, after-hours availability, and document complexity.
Apostille & international authentication
Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024. Ontario documents are authenticated by Global Affairs Canada or the Ontario Official Documents Services (ODS) and then receive an apostille for international use.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-lawyer be a Notary Public in Ontario?
Yes — but appointments to non-lawyers are limited. Most public-facing notaries in Ontario are lawyers or licensed paralegals.
Do I need to book ahead for a mobile notary in Toronto?
Same-day appointments are often available, but evening and weekend slots fill quickly — booking 24–48 hours ahead is recommended.