Our notary public officers are legally authorized by the Canadian government to administer oaths, witness the signing of documents, and deter fraud by verifying the identity of a person who signs a document. During the identity verification process, the information common required is as follows:
For Individuals:
- full name
- business address and business telephone number (if applicable)
- home address and home telephone number
- occupation(s)
- Passport copy
For Businesses or Organizations
- full name
- business address and business telephone number
- incorporation number or business ID number and the place of issue of its incorporation or business ID number
- general description of the type of business or activity undertaken
- name, position and contact information of individual(s) authorized to give instructions with respect to the matter for which lawyer is retained
- Copy of Certificate of Incorporation or Business License
Proof of Identity
What is considered an “acceptable” form of identification when seeking the services of a notary public?
Accepted forms of identification for having notarial services performed include the following:
Every signer must show valid (not expired) photo identification. All identification must contain a photo, a physical description, a signature and a serial number. Most Canadian Government bureaus and banks recognize the following types of identification if issued within the last 5 years:
Canadian, Chinese or any valid Passport
Birth Certificates (with a Photo)
Chinese Identity Card
Marriage Certificates
Checking and verifying the signer’s identify is critical step in performing a notarial service. Some people may view it as a nuisance, but it’s performed to safeguard against fraud. So the next time you need a document notarized, remember to bring one of the accepted forms of identification mentioned above.