An affidavit is a written statement you swear or affirm to be true. A statutory declaration is the same idea, made under the Canada Evidence Act or Ontario’s Evidence Act instead of on oath. Both must be signed in front of a commissioner for taking affidavits or a notary public. At Notary Point, that person is a lawyer.
Common uses
- Ontario court and family law matters (Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice forms)
- Immigration applications: sponsorship, common-law relationships, proof of relationship
- OSAP, university and college forms
- Insurance claims and lost-document declarations
- Name-change and single-status declarations
- Bank, CRA, Service Canada and pension forms
Need it written?
If you have the facts but not the document, we draft the affidavit or declaration for you while you wait and notarize it in the same visit. Drafting fees depend on the document; ask us for a quote.
Fees
Notarization from $30 per document. Ask us about a discount when you bring several documents in one visit. Drafting is available; the fee depends on the document and may involve additional charges, so please tell us what you need drafted and we will quote before any work begins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between swearing and affirming?
Swearing is a religious oath; affirming is a solemn, non-religious promise to tell the truth. Both have the same legal effect. Tell us which you prefer.
Can I sign the affidavit at home and bring it in?
No. The whole point of an affidavit is that you sign it in front of the commissioner. Bring it unsigned.
Do you notarize affidavits in other languages?
The person swearing must understand the document. If the affidavit is not in English or French, we will discuss whether an interpreter’s affidavit or a certified translation is needed.
Is a statutory declaration the same as a notarized letter?
Not quite. A statutory declaration includes a formal declaration clause and is made under the Evidence Act. A notarized letter is simply a letter whose signature we have witnessed. Some organizations accept either; check what yours asks for.