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What Documents Can Be Notarized in Alberta?
Notary
What Documents Can Be Notarized in Alberta?
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What Documents Can Be Notarized in Alberta? | Calgary Notary Public
If you've been asked to have a document notarized, you may be wondering whether your document qualifies and what the process involves.
A Notary Public can notarize many different types of documents, but the requirements vary depending on who will receive the document and how it will be used.
At Bridgestone Law, we provide Notary Public services in Calgary for a wide range of personal, legal, and business documents. If you're unsure whether your document requires notarization, we're happy to review it before your appointment.
Common Documents That Can Be Notarized
Some of the most common documents we notarize include:
Travel consent letters for children
Affidavits
Statutory declarations
Invitation letters
Certified true copies of original documents
Powers of attorney
Estate and probate documents
Real estate documents
Corporate documents
Pension and insurance forms
Government forms
International documents
If your document is intended for use outside Canada, the receiving country or organization may specifically require it to be notarized.
Certified True Copies
A Notary Public can certify that a photocopy is a true copy of an original document.
Certified true copies are commonly requested for:
Passports
Driver's licences
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
University degrees and transcripts
Citizenship and immigration documents
Corporate records
Be sure to bring the original document, as copies cannot be certified without it.
Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
Many legal and government forms require you to swear or affirm that the information is true.
A Notary Public can witness these signatures and administer the required oath or affirmation.
Some documents, however, only require a Commissioner for Oaths. If that's the case, we'll let you know before completing the appointment.
Travel Consent Letters
Parents travelling internationally with a child, or allowing a child to travel with another adult, are often encouraged to carry a travel consent letter.
Although Canadian law does not require these letters to be notarized, many families choose to do so because it provides additional assurance that the signature has been properly witnessed.
Learn more about our Travel Consent Letter services.
Documents for International Use
If you're sending documents to another country, notarization may be required before the documents can be accepted.
Examples include:
Property transactions
Business documents
Immigration paperwork
Educational documents
Foreign legal forms
Depending on the destination country, additional authentication or legalization may also be required after notarization.
What Cannot Be Notarized?
A Notary Public cannot notarize every document.
For example, a notary generally cannot:
Witness a signature if the person signing is not present.
Certify a copy without seeing the original document.
Provide legal advice about documents they did not prepare unless engaged to do so.
Notarize incomplete documents with blank sections that could later be altered.
If you're unsure whether your document can be notarized, contact our office before your appointment.
What Should You Bring?
To help ensure a smooth appointment, bring:
Your unsigned document (unless instructed otherwise)
Valid government-issued photo identification
Any original documents if certified true copies are required
If multiple people need to sign the document, each person should attend with their own identification unless different arrangements have been made.
We're Here to Help
Whether you need a travel consent letter notarized, certified true copies, or assistance with legal documents, Bridgestone Law provides efficient Notary Public services in Calgary.
If you're unsure whether your document requires a Notary Public or a Commissioner for Oaths, we'll explain the difference and ensure you receive the appropriate service.
Visit our Notary Public Services page to learn more or book your appointment online at a time that's convenient for you.
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