Commissioner of Oaths in the Greater Toronto Area | Saggi Law Firm

Need a Commissioner of Oaths in Ontario?

When a legal document requires an oath, affirmation, affidavit, or declaration, having it properly commissioned is an important step. At Saggi Law Firm, we provide professional commissioner of oaths services for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations that need documents formally sworn or affirmed.

A commissioner for taking affidavits is authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits, declarations, and affirmations where permitted by law. In Ontario, lawyers and certain other professionals may act as commissioners by virtue of their office. (Ontario)

Whether you need an affidavit for a court matter, a statutory declaration for an application, or another legal document that requires commissioning, our team can help you understand the process and complete the commissioning correctly.

Need a document commissioned? Contact Saggi Law Firm to discuss your requirements and arrange commissioner services.

Commissioner of Oaths vs. Notary Public

One of the most common questions is whether you need a commissioner or notary public.

Although the roles overlap, they are not identical.

A commissioner for taking affidavits may administer oaths and take affidavits, declarations, and affirmations. A notary public has these powers as well, but generally has additional authority, including certifying and attesting true copies of documents and witnessing or attesting the execution of documents. (Ontario)

When Do You Need a Commissioner?

You may need a commissioner when your document specifically requires you to:

• Swear an affidavit
• Affirm an affidavit
• Make a statutory declaration
• Take an oath
• Make a solemn declaration
• Sign a sworn statement
• Complete documents that specifically require commissioning

Common examples include affidavits used in court proceedings and statutory declarations required for government, municipal, administrative, or other legal purposes. Ontario's government specifically identifies court proceedings, vehicle transfers, municipal matters, and certain government services among situations where affidavits or declarations may be required. (Ontario)

When Do You Need a Notary Public?

A notary public may be more appropriate when the receiving organization requires notarization, certification of a true copy, or another function within a notary's authority.

This distinction matters because commissioning and notarizing documents are not always interchangeable.

If you are unsure whether your document requires a commissioner, notary, or another authorized professional, Saggi Law Firm can review the requirement with you before the document is signed.

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Commissioner of Oaths Services in Ontario

Saggi Law Firm provides commissioner of oaths services for documents that require an authorized person to administer an oath, affirmation, or declaration.

Affidavits

An affidavit is a sworn written statement. Depending on the circumstances, affidavits may be required for family law, civil litigation, Small Claims Court matters, estate-related proceedings, applications, and other legal processes.

The person making the affidavit, known as the deponent, normally signs it in accordance with the applicable commissioning requirements.

Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration is a formal declaration that a person makes to confirm particular facts. It may be required for government applications, administrative matters, transactions, or other purposes.

Unlike an affidavit, a statutory declaration is generally based on a solemn declaration rather than a traditional oath. Both may have legal consequences.

Oaths and Affirmations

A person may sometimes choose an affirmation instead of an oath. The applicable process depends on the document and legal requirements.

A commissioner is responsible for administering the oath or affirmation appropriately rather than simply placing a stamp on a document.

Documents That Require Commissioning

The exact documents that require a commissioner depend on the organization requesting them and the purpose for which they are being used.

Before arranging an appointment, it is useful to determine:

1. What document needs to be commissioned?
2. Who requested the document?
3. Does the document specifically require a commissioner?
4. Is notarization required instead?
5. Are there special signing or identification requirements?
6. Is the document intended for use in Ontario, elsewhere in Canada, or outside Canada?

These details can affect whether commissioner services are sufficient.

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How the Commissioning of Documents Works

The process is usually straightforward, but the document should be handled carefully.

1. Bring the Complete Document

Bring the complete legal document requiring commissioning. Unless instructed otherwise, do not sign the affidavit or declaration before appearing before the commissioner.

2. Provide Identification

The commissioner may need to verify your identity and confirm that the signature belongs to you. Ontario's guidance specifically states that a person signing an affidavit or declaration must provide proof of identity and that the commissioner has a duty to ensure the signature is genuine. (Ontario)

3. Review the Document

The commissioner may review the document sufficiently to determine what oath, affirmation, or declaration is required and to ensure the commissioning process is completed appropriately.

4. Swear or Affirm

You will swear an oath or make an affirmation or declaration, depending on the document and applicable requirements.

5. Sign in the Required Manner

The document is signed according to the applicable commissioning requirements.

6. Commissioner Completes the Jurat

The commissioner then completes and signs the jurat or declaration as required.

The purpose is to create a properly commissioned document that can be presented to the organization, court, government office, or other recipient requesting it.

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Who Can Act as a Commissioner in Ontario?

Ontario legislation establishes categories of people who may act as commissioners by virtue of office, while other individuals may be appointed as commissioners under the applicable legislation.

For example, Ontario's current regulations identify certain professionals and office holders as commissioners by virtue of office. Licensed Ontario lawyers and legal service providers are among the categories identified in the regulations. (Ontario)

This is one reason a law firm can be a convenient place to obtain commissioner services.

Commissioner for Taking Affidavits

The formal terminology used in Ontario legislation is commissioner for taking affidavits.

You may also hear people use:

• Commissioner of oaths
• Commissioner for oaths
• Commissioner
• Commissioner for taking affidavits
• Oaths commissioner

In everyday use, these terms can refer to similar services, but the precise authority of the person providing the service should always be considered.

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Can a Commissioner Certify True Copies?

This is an important distinction.

A commissioner and a notary public do not necessarily have identical powers.

A notary public in Ontario has the power, subject to applicable restrictions, to certify and attest a true copy of a document, in addition to having the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits. (Ontario)

Therefore, if your instructions say that you need a certified true copy of the original, you should not automatically assume that ordinary commissioner services are sufficient.

What Oaths Cannot Do

Commissioning a document does not automatically mean:

• The commissioner has verified every factual statement
• The commissioner has provided legal advice about the document
• The commissioner has certified the document as a true copy
• The commissioner has notarized the document
• The commissioner has confirmed that the underlying transaction is legally valid

The role of the commissioner is specific. If additional certification or notarizing documents is required, a notary service may be appropriate.

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Do You Need a Commissioner of Oaths?

You may need a commissioner if an organization, court, government department, lawyer, or other authority has specifically instructed you to submit a sworn or affirmed document.

Common Situations

Commissioning may be required for:

• Court affidavits
• Family law documents
• Civil litigation documents
• Small Claims Court materials
• Statutory declarations
• Government applications
• Municipal applications
• Certain vehicle-related declarations
• Administrative applications
• Business-related declarations
• Other legal documents requiring an oath or affirmation

Ontario's official guidance confirms that affidavits and declarations can arise in court, municipal, vehicle-transfer, and government-service contexts. (Ontario)

If you are uncertain about the requirement, do not guess. The organization requesting the document should be able to tell you whether it needs a commissioner, notary public, or another form of certification.

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Online Commissioner Services in Ontario

Ontario law permits certain oaths and declarations to be administered remotely when the applicable regulatory conditions are satisfied.

Under Ontario Regulation 431/20, as amended effective in 2026, remote administration can be permitted through an electronic communication method that allows participants to see, hear, and communicate with each other in real time. Identity confirmation, required wording, recordkeeping, and other conditions also apply. (Ontario)

This means that an online commissioner arrangement may be possible in appropriate circumstances, but remote commissioning is not simply a matter of signing a document over a video call.

The document, purpose, jurisdiction, identification requirements, and applicable rules all matter.

If you need remote commissioning, ask Saggi Law Firm whether your particular document and circumstances are suitable for an online process.

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What We Need From You

To make the process efficient, bring or provide:

• The complete document
• Government-issued identification where required
• Any instructions provided by the organization requesting the document
• Information about where the document will be submitted
• Any deadline associated with the document
• Additional copies if specifically requested

Do Not Sign Too Early

One of the most common practical mistakes is signing an affidavit or declaration before appearing before the commissioner.

Depending on the document, you may be required to sign in the presence of the commissioner. Ontario's guidance describes the requirement for the deponent or declarant to sign appropriately and for the commissioner to verify the signature. (Ontario)

If you have already signed the document, tell the commissioner before proceeding. The appropriate next step can depend on the document and circumstances.

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Why Choose Saggi Law Firm for Commissioner Services?

When a document has legal significance, attention to detail matters.

At Saggi Law Firm, our approach focuses on making the commissioning process clear and efficient while respecting the specific requirements that apply to the document.

Professional Legal Environment

You are dealing with a law firm rather than an informal document-witnessing service.

Clear Process

We help you understand what is required before you proceed, particularly when the distinction between a commissioner and notary matters.

Convenient Service

If you need a commissioner of oaths in Ontario, obtaining the service through a law firm can provide a straightforward option.

Attention to Legal Requirements

Commissioning involves more than simply adding a stamp. The commissioner must administer the oath, affirmation, or declaration in accordance with applicable requirements and complete the document appropriately. (Ontario)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Commissioner of Oaths Services

What is a commissioner of oaths?

A commissioner of oaths is commonly used to describe a commissioner for taking affidavits. In Ontario, a commissioner may administer oaths and take affidavits, declarations, and affirmations where authorized by law. (Ontario)

Is a commissioner the same as a notary public?

No. There is overlap, but the roles are not identical. A notary public in Ontario has the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits and may also have additional authority, including certifying true copies and witnessing or attesting the execution of documents. (Ontario)

Can a commissioner take an affidavit?

Yes. A commissioner for taking affidavits is authorized to take affidavits where permitted by law. (Ontario)

Can a commissioner administer an oath?

Yes. Administering oaths is one of the principal functions of a commissioner for taking affidavits.

Can I sign my affidavit before seeing the commissioner?

You should not assume that you can. The applicable process may require you to sign in the presence of the commissioner. Ask before signing so the commissioning process is completed correctly.

Can a commissioner certify true copies?

Not necessarily. Certification of true copies is an important distinction between commissioner and notary services. A notary public has authority in Ontario to certify and attest a true copy, subject to applicable law and appointment restrictions. (Ontario)

Can I use an online commissioner?

Remote administration of an oath or declaration can be permitted in Ontario when the conditions established by regulation are satisfied. Those conditions include real-time communication, identity confirmation, prescribed document wording, and recordkeeping requirements. (Ontario)

Where can I find a commissioner of oaths?

You can find a commissioner through a law firm, courthouse, municipal office, or other authorized service provider, depending on the purpose of your document. Ontario also provides guidance on finding a notary public or commissioner for specific situations. (Ontario)

Does a commissioner provide legal advice about my affidavit?

Commissioning a document and providing legal advice are separate functions. If you need advice about the legal meaning, contents, rights, obligations, or consequences of an affidavit or declaration, you should obtain legal advice.

Can Saggi Law Firm commission my statutory declaration?

If your document requires commissioning and the circumstances fall within the authority of the commissioner, Saggi Law Firm can assist with the commissioning process. Contact us with the document requirements so we can determine the appropriate service.

Do commissioned documents need to be notarized?

Not always. Whether you need a commissioner or notary depends on the instructions provided by the organization receiving your document and the purpose for which the document will be used.

Can I have a document commissioned for use outside Ontario?

It depends on the destination, document, and receiving authority. A document intended for use outside Ontario may have additional requirements, and commissioning should not automatically be treated as equivalent to notarization or authentication.

For example, Ontario's Official Documents Services states that commissioned documents cannot be apostilled through its process. (Ontario)

How do I arrange commissioner services?

Contact Saggi Law Firm and tell us what type of document you need commissioned, who requested it, and where it will be submitted. We can explain the next steps and whether commissioner or notary services are more appropriate.

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Need a Commissioner of Oaths in Ontario?

A properly completed affidavit, statutory declaration, or sworn statement can be an important part of a legal, government, administrative, or business process. Choosing the right authorized professional helps ensure that the document is completed according to the applicable requirements.

If you need a commissioner of oaths in Ontario, Saggi Law Firm can assist with affidavits, declarations, oaths, affirmations, and other documents requiring commissioner services.

Contact Saggi Law Firm today to discuss your document and determine the appropriate commissioning service.

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Requirements can vary depending on the document, jurisdiction, and organization receiving it.

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Commissioner of Oaths in the Greater Toronto Area | Saggi Law Firm

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Need a commissioner of oaths? Saggi Law Firm provides affidavit, declaration and oath commissioning services in the Greater Toronto Area.

1: https://www.ontario.ca/page/information-notaries-public-ontario?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Information for notaries public in Ontario | ontario.ca" 2: https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-newly-appointed-commissioners-taking-affidavits-ontario?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Guide for newly appointed commissioners for taking affidavits in Ontario | ontario.ca" 3: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-notary-public-or-commissioner-oaths-taking-affidavits?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Find a notary public or commissioner of oaths for taking affidavits | ontario.ca" 4: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120386?utm_source=chatgpt.com "O. Reg. 386/12: COMMISSIONERS AND OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY TAKE AFFIDAVITS\"" 5: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r26021?utm_source=chatgpt.com "O. Reg. 21/26: ADMINISTERING OATH OR DECLARATION REMOTELY\""