Notary2u.ca

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CALGARY, AB - 403.389.2234

London, ON - 519.619.0183

Find answers to your most frequently asked questions...

1 - Do I have to be present for the appointment? Can someone act on my behalf?

For the notarization of signatures on documents or the commissioning of affidavits and statutory declarations, the person whose name appears on the documents must appear before us to sign and date the documents. However, for certified true copies of documents, anyone may attend the appointment on behalf of the person whose name appears on the documents. That person will be required to have two (2) valid pieces of government-issued identification.

2 - How can I be certain that Notary2u Mobile Notary's services are provided by a qualified individual?

All Notary2u consultants are verified and confirmed for appointments in their respective province, jurisdiction and region. A copy of each consultants appointment is available for viewing at time of meeting. Notary2u Mobile Notary does not provide legal advice nor does it draft documents on behalf of clients.

Note: All documents must be filled out correctly by client and also must be in order. It is not the notaries responsibility to ensure all documents are filled out correctly and in the appropriate spaces as each and every document is different. There is a $20 fee + Km charge to come and redo documents.

3 - How long does it take to have my documents certified, notarized or commissioned?

In most cases, appointments can be completed within 5-15 minutes.

4 - What is a notary public?

A notary public is a person (usually a lawyer) who can serve as an official witness to the execution (signing) of any document and attest to the fact that the signature is that of the person named in the document. A notary public may also certify copies of original documents as being true copies. Additionally, in most provinces, a notary public has and may exercise the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits.

However, it is important to note that a notary public does not read through or evaluate documents before they are signed and does not certify that original documents are legitimate.

Notaries public in all provinces derive their authority from the Notaries Act. Their seal and signature are registered with their respective Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

5 - What is a commissioner for taking affidavits?

“A commissioner for taking affidavits in and for the courts in Alberta” or other provinces is a person that can commission affidavits and statutory declarations by administering the required oath, affirmation or declaration and satisfying himself or herself of the genuineness of the signature of the person taking the oath, affirmation or declaration. A commissioner for taking affidavits does not certify that the statements made in an affidavit or statutory declaration are true, only that the affidavit or statutory declaration has been duly commissioned.

Commissioners for taking affidavits in Alberta or other provinces derive their authority from the Notaries and Commissioners Act or the Notaries Public Regulation, the act and regulation govern.

6 - What is an affidavit?

An affidavit is a document that contains written statements of fact that are verified by the swearing of an oath, or by affirmation, by the person making the statements (i.e. the deponent). The deponent must be physically present before a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.

An oath is a promise to a Supreme Being, or something sacred to the person taking the oath, while an affirmation is a pledge on one’s personal honor. Both are legally binding promises to tell the truth and subject the oath-taker or affirmant to penalties for perjury.

Affidavits can only be used when authorized by law.

7 - What is a statutory declaration?

A statutory declaration is a document that contains written statements of fact that are verified by solemn declaration by the person making the statements (i.e. the declarant). The declarant must be physically present before a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.

A solemn declaration has the same effect as an oath or affirmation and also subjects the declarant to penalties for perjury.

Statutory declarations are used when no law authorizes the use of an affidavit.

8 -  Does Notary2u Mobile Notary have an office location?

No, we only provide mobile services. We can meet clients at any location of their choice in ALL cities and surrounding areas across Canada. (consult our FEES section for more details).

9 - Does Notary2u Mobile Notary guarantee its work?

Yes, we guarantee that if there are any problems with our certifications, notarizations or commissions, we will redo them free of charge.

However, clients are responsible for ensuring that they use the correct forms, are familiar with the forms’ requirements and complete them properly. Notary2u Mobile Notary does not accept liability for clients who fail to do this.

If there are any problems with our certifications, notarizations or commissions as a result of errors made by clients, we will redo them for a nominal fee of $25-$49 (plus $3 for each km travelled beyond our service area).

10 -  Does Notary2u Mobile Notary provide legal advice or draft documents?

No, we do not provide legal advice nor do we draft documents on behalf of clients. We only provide notary public and commissioner for taking affidavits and statutory declarations services. No solicitor-client relationship is established by virtue of the delivery of these services.

Clients are always responsible for reviewing the contents of their documents and seeking guidance from legal counsel concerning their specific legal matter. If you require legal advice and need to find a lawyer, you can consult the Law Society of Upper Canada’s online Referral Service or Lawyer and Paralegal Directory.

11 - Does Notary2u Mobile Notary provide document authentication and legalization services?

No, we do not currently offer these services. However, there are numerous other businesses in your city who will get documents authenticated and legalized on a client’s behalf.

12 - When must documents be authenticated and legalized?

Canadian documents must usually be authenticated and legalized when they need to be legally recognized in a foreign country. After a Canadian document has been notarized or certified as a true copy, the signature and seal of the notary public is authenticated by the Authentication and Service of Documents Section (JLAC) at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development in Ottawa, or by the Official Documents Services Section (ODS) at the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services in Toronto, and subsequently legalized by the embassy or consulate of the foreign country in which the documents are to be used.

Once Canadian documents have been notarized or certified as true copies, anyone can request to have the signature and seal of the notary public authenticated by JLAC or Respective Provincial Authority and legalized by the relevant embassy or consulate. There is no requirement that this be done by a notary public, commissioner for taking affidavits or other professional. Please note that ODS charges a fee for the authentication of documents (JLAC does not) and that most embassies or consulates charge fees for the legalization of documents.

13 - Can documents that have been notarized or certified by Notary2u Mobile Notary be authenticated?

Yes, our notaries public, has a specimen of their notarial signature and seal on file with both JLAC and ODS and their respective governing body such that documents bearing his/her signature and seal can be authenticated.

14 - What should I have at my appointment?

Aside from the document(s), we will also need you to have at least two pieces of government issued ID. At least one of them must have your picture on it (like a passport or driver's license), while the other can simply have your name on it (such as a health care card). HELPFUL INFO

15 - Can a Notary refuse to serve people?

Only if the Notary is uncertain of a signer’s identity, willingness, mental awareness, or has cause to suspect fraud. Notaries may not refuse service on the basis of race, religion, nationality, lifestyle, sexual orientation or any other prohibited ground or because the person is not their client or customer.

16 - What is authentication/legalization of documents?

Even if you have had your documents attested before a Notary Public in Alberta, they are not always acceptable in other countries without a Certificate of Authentication. An official of the Deputy Provincial Secretary's Office signs the certificate authenticating the appointment, the signature and the seal of the Notary Public. A Certificate of Authentication may only be issued by the Deputy Provincial Secretary’s Office, who holds the official records of Notaries Public of the Province of Alberta, including records of their signatures and seals.

17 - Can a Canadian Notary Public apostille documents?

No. Canada is not a signatory to the International Treaty that allows for the Apostilling of Documents. The Canadian alternative to apostilling documents is to have the Notary Public’s seal and signature authenticated and then legalized by the foreign consulate.

18 - Why do we notarize documents?

You’ve probably had documents notarized, but did you know why? Is there really a purpose or benefit to having a document notarized? Having a Notary Public witness a signature serves as a powerful risk management tool that prevents fraud and identity theft, among others. Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure they are properly executed. An impartial witness (the Notary) identifies signatories to screen out impostors and to make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.

19 - Why is notarization important?

Chief among the reasons to have certain documents notarized is that having a document notarized is a deterrent to fraud. Notarization not only makes it more likely that signatories are who they claim they are, but also is mandatory for certain agreements, such as deeds, mortgages, easements, Power of Attorney and living Will.

20 - How does a Notary Public identify a signatory?

Generally, the Notary will ask to see a current identification document or card with a photograph, physical description and signature. A driver’s license, military ID or passport will usually be acceptable.

21 - Is notarization a legal requirement?

For most documents, yes. Certain affidavits, deeds and Power of Attorney may not be legally binding unless they are properly notarized. With other documents, no. Private entities and individuals may require notarization to strengthen the document and to protect it from fraud.

22 - Does notarization make a document “true” or “legal?”

No. A notarization typically means the signatory acknowledged to the Notary that he or she signed the document or vouched under oath or affirmation that the contents of the document were true.

23 - What is a Permanent Resident Card?

A Permanent Resident Card is a status document that provides the holder with secure proof of their permanent resident status when re-entering Canada following international travel. It is required by people who have completed the Canadian immigration process and have obtained permanent resident status, but are not Canadian citizens.

For more information about the Permanent Resident Card and the application process please visit the Canadian federal government website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/apply-how.asp .

Types of Documents we Notarize

Notarization of Documents

Notarization of all documents for domestic or international use - Affidavits, Declarations and Statutory Declarations - Letters of Invitation to foreigners in support of an application for a visitors visa to Canada - Affidavits to transfer ownership of vehicles - All other affidavits (i.e. for professional accreditation, court proceedings, insurance claims, etc.)
Permanent Resident Card Applications

Oath commissioned by a Notary Public - Certification of applicants photograph - Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor - Certification of supporting documents
Consent to Travel

Preparation and execution of sworn consent for child's travel without one or both parents
Certification of Online Documents

We can certify on-line documents by printing them off a current/live official website and notorize and affirm that the print-out is a true copy of the electronic version.
Certification of Copied Documents

Certification of a copy of a document by a Notary Public.