What is a Commissioner of Oaths and Taking Affidavits?

A Commissioner for Taking Affidavits is an individual authorized by the Province of Ontario to take affidavits and administer oaths, affirmations, or declarations. This authority is governed by the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act, 1990.

My constituency office staff are authorized by the Province of Ontario to take affidavits and administer oaths, affirmations, or declarations. Please review the information below to learn how we can assist you.

Is there a cost?

My office does not charge a fee for commissioning services. However, staff members must follow the legal responsibilities of their role and may, at their discretion, decline to commission a document.

Note: If a Commissioner is uncertain about your identity or the content of your document, they may refuse to sign.

Do you offer Notary Public Services?

Please note that we do not provide Notary Public services.

A Notary Public is authorized under the Notaries Act to commission, certify, or notarize documents and verify signatures. The qualifications for a Notary Public differ from those of a Commissioner, and a Commissioner cannot act as a Notary Public.

What documents can we commission?

Designated office staff may, at their discretion, commission documents such as:

• Proof of residency

• Transfer of vehicle ownership

• Pension or insurance claim forms

• Statutory declarations on government-related forms

• OSAP-related documents

• Travel consent letters (if applicable)

What documents cannot be commissioned?

Our office cannot commission documents related to:

• Medical matters or forms

• Wills or testaments

• Powers of Attorney

• Divorce, separation, or custody matters

• Real estate transactions

• Court documents or any materials connected to court proceedings

• Any document requiring a Notary Public

What do I need to do before I visit?

• Contact us in advance: Our team can confirm whether your document can be commissioned and when a Commissioner will be available.

• Bring valid photo ID: Identification must include your photo, full name, and signature.

• Do not sign ahead of time: Documents must be signed in front of the Commissioner.

• Ensure your form is complete: All documents must be fully filled out before commissioning. Staff cannot sign blank or incomplete forms.

Your responsibility:

• When signing a legal document requiring an oath, affirmation, or declaration, you are responsible for its contents.

• The person making the oath is known as the deponent. This is the individual whose signature is being commissioned to confirm the truth of the document’s contents.

• By swearing an oath or making an affirmation, you are declaring that all information in the document is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.