Notary Public vs. Commissioner for Oaths: What's the Difference?

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Learn the difference between a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths in Alberta, when each service is required, and how to determine which one you need.

Notary Public vs. Commissioner for Oaths in Calgary | Bridgestone Law

If you've been asked to have a document witnessed, you may have been told to visit either a Notary Public or a Commissioner for Oaths. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same.

Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and the frustration of arriving for the wrong service.

At Bridgestone Law, we provide both Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths services in Calgary. If you're unsure which one you need, we're happy to help.

What Is a Commissioner for Oaths?

A Commissioner for Oaths is authorized to witness signatures on documents that require a sworn oath or affirmation. Their role is to verify the identity of the person signing the document and ensure the signature is made voluntarily.

Common documents that only require a Commissioner for Oaths include:

Affidavits
Statutory declarations
Certain court forms
Government declarations
Insurance forms

A Commissioner for Oaths does not certify copies of documents or notarize signatures for many organizations or international use.

What Is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public has broader authority than a Commissioner for Oaths.

In addition to administering oaths and witnessing signatures, a Notary Public can:

Certify true copies of original documents
Notarize signatures
Authenticate documents for many government agencies, financial institutions, and organizations
Prepare documents for use outside Canada

Because of these additional powers, many organizations specifically require a Notary Public rather than a Commissioner for Oaths.

When Do You Need a Notary Public?

You may need a Notary Public if you're:

Certifying copies of passports, identification, or other important documents
Signing documents that will be used outside Canada
Completing real estate or financial documents
Preparing a travel consent letter
Providing notarized documents to a government agency, bank, or foreign authority

If the organization requesting your document specifically asks for a Notary Public, a Commissioner for Oaths is generally not sufficient.

Which Service Do I Need?

The easiest way to determine which service you need is to ask the organization requesting the document.

If you're still unsure, don't worry. Bring the document to your appointment, and we'll review it with you before proceeding. If your document only requires a Commissioner for Oaths, we'll let you know. If it requires a Notary Public, we'll ensure it is completed correctly.

Our goal is to provide the service you actually need...nothing more.

Why It Matters

Choosing the correct service helps ensure your document will be accepted the first time.

Using a Commissioner for Oaths when a Notary Public is required could mean your document is rejected, resulting in unnecessary delays and an additional appointment.

We're Here to Help

At Bridgestone Law, we provide both Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths services in Calgary. Whether you're signing a legal document, certifying copies, or preparing paperwork for travel or international use, we'll help you determine the appropriate service and complete your documents efficiently.

To learn more about our services, visit our Notary Public Services page, or book your appointment online at a time that's convenient for you.

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