Technological advancement means you can do almost anything and everything virtually/online, including online notarization and interestingly, it is valid and legal. The Government of Ontario on 1st August 2020, owing to Covid-19 protocols enacted Reg. 431/20; Administering Oath or Declaration Remotely, this Regulation made online notarization practicable, and additionally, the regulation set out some guidelines that need to be followed for online notarization.
What is Notarization?
Notarization is a legal process of authenticating, vetting, and certifying documents. The process of notarization assures you and apart from it being a legal requirement, it helps prevent or detect fraud or fraudulent practices and protects the property and personal rights of the citizens and those considered by law to be vulnerable, for instance, a blind person.
What is Online Notarization?
Online Notarization, also known as remote online notarization (RON), e-notarization or virtual commissioning amongst other monikers is the process of notarizing documents using online technology with the parties participating virtually. The advantages of online notarization lie in its affordability, speed, ease, and security.
What can you Notarize Online?
The following documents can be notarized online:
- Oaths & affidavits, including OSAP, identity, and income affidavits;
- Statutory declarations;
- Statutory declaration for entry into Canada for extended family members (Form IMM 0006);
- Sworn statements for a family gift of a used vehicle;
- Letters of invitation;
- Travel consent letter for children traveling abroad;
- Birth certificate correction statutory declarations;
- Name change applications;
- Permanent residency card applications etc.
Please note that you cannot notarize the following documents online: Wills, Power of Attorney, Trusts, Divorce Agreements, Separation Agreements, Promissory Notes, Loan Agreements, and Certified True Copies of original documents.
Steps to Completing Online Notarization
There are six (6) steps to completing online notarization, these steps will be succinctly explained below:
1. Book Your Appointment: the first step you need to take is to send a request or book an appointment for the online notarization. This is easy and flexible because you can fix a time you find convenient.
2. Upload Document & ID: Whilst booking your appointment on our website https://www.allcanadanotary.com/online-notary/ you upload the relevant documents and your ID. It is easy and fast.
3. Meet with the Notary Online: This is the most important step of the process; it is at this stage the Notary Public or Commissioner of Oathsremotely verifies your identity.
4. Signature and Notary Seal:After the meeting with the notary online, and your identity has been verified, both parties (you) and the Notary will sign the document virtually. Signing is done by using an electronic signature application, and thereafter, the Notary will apply its electronic notary seal on the document(s).
5. Record Keeping. The virtual meeting is usuallyecorded upon your (client) request, hence, the notary keeps the audio and video recording of the notary meeting for future reference.
6. Receive Documents Online or Hardcopy: The notarized document will be shared with you online or the hardcopy may be mailed to you. The hardcopy has the original ink signature of the notary public, however, your signature will be a printed version.
How can All-Canada Notary help you?
All-Canada Notary is specialized on both online and in-person notary services. For the online notary, you should consider the following information when employing the services of the All-Canada Notary: do not sign or date documents before you meet the notary, and you must have a valid government-issued ID with your signature and photo.
