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How long is a notarized document valid in Canada?

In Canada, a notarized document does not expire. There is no expiration date associated with the notary stamp or seal. As long as the traditional or online notary had a valid commission by the Provincial or Territorial government, your document will remain valid. Therefore, you do not need to renew your notarization to maintain its validity.

notary validity canada

It is important to note that the document itself may have an expiration date separate from its notarization. It depends on the type of document and what is stated in the document itself. Therefore, it is important to read all documents carefully before signing and notarizing them.

Types of Notarized Documents in Canada and Their Expiration

Affidavits and Statutory Declarations

 1. Affidavits are sworn statements made by an individual in writing and confirmed under oath before a notary public. These documents are often used as evidence in court proceedings, legal transactions, or administrative matters. Affidavits can pertain to various subjects, including personal, financial, or property-related issues.

 

 2. Statutory Declarations are similar to affidavits, statutory declarations involve making a formal statement in writing. These documents are often used to verify facts, such as identity, marital status, or financial circumstances. They hold legal significance and are notarized to prevent fraud.

 

Expiration Date: Generally, there is no specific expiration date for affidavits and statutory declarations. However, the validity of the information contained within these documents may be time-sensitive. It is recommended to update or re-notarize these documents if circumstances change.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney grants someone the authority to make decisions and act on behalf of another person in legal or financial matters. Notarizing a power of attorney ensures its validity and authenticity. There are two main types of powers of attorney: general and enduring. General powers of attorney expire if the grantor becomes mentally incapacitated, whereas enduring powers of attorney remain valid even in such circumstances.

 

Expiration Date: The expiration of a power of attorney depends on the type. A general power of attorney becomes invalid if the grantor becomes mentally incapacitated. On the other hand, an enduring power of attorney remains in effect even if the grantor becomes incapacitated, making it a useful tool for long-term planning.

Certified Copies

Notaries can certify copies of original documents, such as passports, birth certificates, or academic transcripts. These certified copies are considered legally equivalent to the original documents and are often required for various administrative purposes.

 

Expiration Date: Certified copies do not have a specific expiration date, but it’s advisable to obtain fresh copies if the need arises to ensure the documents’ authenticity.

Real Estate Transactions

Notarized documents play a crucial role in real estate transactions, including property transfers, mortgages, and lease agreements. These documents ensure the legality and authenticity of the transaction, protecting the interests of all parties involved.

 

Expiration Date: Notarized documents related to real estate transactions remain valid as long as the terms of the transaction are in force. For example, a mortgage agreement remains valid until the mortgage is paid off.

International Documents

Notaries in Canada can also authenticate documents for international use, such as travel consent letters, adoption papers, and immigration-related documents. These notarized documents help ensure compliance with foreign legal requirements.

 

Expiration Date: The expiration of notarized international documents may vary depending on the laws and requirements of the foreign country. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities in the foreign jurisdiction

Does Notary Guarantee the Accuracy of the Document?

No, notarization does not guarantee the accuracy of a document or the validity of any contents therein. The role of a notary public is to verify the identity of those signing documents and to act as an impartial witness for legally binding transactions. It is the responsibility of the person signing the document to ensure its accuracy.

What Does it Mean To Have a Document Notarized?

Having a document notarized means that the Notary has verified the identity of the signatory and witnessed their signature or verified a copy as true to the original. To have a document notarized, you need to appear before an official notary public authorized by the Province or Territory. The notary will witness you sign and authenticate the validity of your signature with their notary seal.

When can a Notarized Document Be Rejected?

A notarized document may be rejected for various reasons. If the notary’s commission has expired at the time of notarization, the document might be rejected. Additionally, if the text on the document is difficult to read or if correction fluid has been used, the receiving party may reject it, as these could indicate alterations after notarization.

 

In some cases, the notarization may be considered incomplete, such as if not all signatures on the document were notarized or if some other essential information is missing. Placing a notary stamp over a portion of text, making it unreadable, can also lead to document rejection.

 

It’s important to ensure that the document is clear, complete, and accurate before having it notarized to avoid potential rejections.

How All-Canada Notary can help?

All-Canada Notary is a network of notaries public. We can help you notarize your documents. You can visit our locations for in-person notarial services or use our virtual / online notary. You can book your appointment online and get your notarization today.