What we notarize and commission
Certified true copies
We compare your copy with the original and certify that it is a true copy, for schools, employers, government offices and foreign authorities.
Affidavits
A written statement of facts sworn or affirmed before us. Used in court, at tribunals, by insurers and in many applications.
Statutory declarations
A solemn declaration under the Canada Evidence Act or the Ontario Evidence Act, such as declarations of common-law relationship, lost documents or name variations.
Travel consent for children
A consent letter for a child travelling with one parent, a relative or a group, signed in front of us.
Invitation letters
Invitation letters and supporting declarations for visitor visa and Super Visa applications.
Signature witnessing
Witnessing signatures on pension, insurance, government and other forms that require a notary or commissioner.
Notary or commissioner: what is the difference?
In Ontario, a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits can administer an oath or affirmation and sign affidavits and statutory declarations. Lawyers and licensed paralegals are commissioners by virtue of their office (O. Reg. 386/12), and the Notaries Act gives every notary public the powers of a commissioner.
A Notary Public can do everything a commissioner can and also perform notarial acts such as certifying true copies of original documents and verifying signatures with a notarial certificate. Foreign authorities often ask specifically for a notary.
Farnoosh Mostaed is a Notary Public in Ontario and, as a licensed paralegal and notary, a commissioner for taking affidavits. You do not need to look for a separate commissioner.
What to bring
- The complete, unsigned document. Do not sign before the appointment; you must sign in front of us.
- Valid original government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, driver's licence or PR card. The name must match the document, or you must be able to explain and support the difference.
- For certified copies: the original document.
- Every person who must sign, each with their own identification.
- Any instructions from the organization that asked for the document, such as a foreign embassy, university or insurer.
Documents in Persian and other languages
We serve clients in English and Persian. A signer must understand what they are swearing or declaring. If the document is in a language the signer does not read, a translation or an interpreter may be needed.
For a translated document to be used in Canada, the usual approach is a translation accompanied by the translator's affidavit, sworn before a commissioner or notary, confirming that the translation is accurate. We commission translator affidavits.
Travel consent letters for children
The Government of Canada recommends that a child travelling outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians carry a signed consent letter, for example when travelling alone, with one parent, or with friends, relatives or a group. Border officers may ask for it. Any adult may witness the signature, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends that a notary public witness it. Bring the signed original; border officials may not accept photocopies or digital versions.
Bring the child's passport details, the travel dates and destination, the accompanying adult's information, and the identification of each consenting parent.
Invitation letters for visitors
An invitation letter supports, but does not guarantee, a visitor visa. For a Super Visa, the signed letter from the child or grandchild in Canada must include a promise of financial support for the length of the visit and the list (names and dates of birth) and number of people counted in the family size, with proof that the host meets the minimum necessary income; a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign to meet it. A statutory declaration can strengthen the letter. Our immigration practice can review the full application.
Documents for use outside Canada
Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024. Ontario's Official Documents Services (ODS) issues an apostille for documents going to a member country and a certificate of authentication for countries that are not members, such as Iran, where the receiving country's consulate may also need to legalize it. Under ODS rules, a document in a language other than English or French must have been issued in Canada, notarized by an Ontario notary public and accompanied by a translation, either by a certified translator or attested by an Ontario notary who speaks both languages. Confirm the receiving authority's requirements first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. All notary and commissioning services are by appointment only; we do not accept walk-ins. When you book, we confirm the document, the signers, the time needed and the meeting location.
Can you notarize a copy of my Iranian birth certificate (shenasnameh)?
We can certify that a copy is a true copy of the original you present. Whether the receiving authority accepts it, and whether it also needs a translation, depends on their requirements.
Can you notarize a signature by video?
Some acts can be performed remotely under Ontario rules with additional safeguards; others require in-person attendance, and many foreign authorities do not accept remote notarization. Ask us before booking.
How much does it cost?
Fees depend on the type and number of documents and signers. Contact the office for the current fee.
This guide is general legal information about Ontario law as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Laws, forms and fees change; check the official sources before you act.