Notary Public

Statutory declarations are facts you declare are true. Make a legal oath in writing to confirm your identity and let readers know you confirm the facts are accurate to the best of your knowledge. Statutory declarations may be required to apply for government benefits or make insurance claims.

Canadian embassies and consulates can notarize documents, such as a declaration you are single if a local commissioner of oaths or notary public when you travel is unavailable. Most embassies can certify true copies of photocopies, witness your signature on legal oaths, affirm affidavits or notarize documents for use in Canada. You can also request to have foreign or Canadian travel or other documents authenticated. Be aware that some countries may not accept your overseas statutory declaration unless they are authenticated in Canada.

You can, depending on why you changed your name. To take a new spouse’s surname or change your name after a divorce, annulment, or your spouse’s death, phone the Office of the Registrar General and request an Election to Change form. You can reach the Registrar General at no cost by dialing 1-800-461-2156 or 416-325-8305 in the GTA (416-325-3408 by TTY). You will need a statutory declaration name if you opt to make a formal name change in Ontario.

Quite simply, it’s a form containing facts. Canada customs declaration forms can be used to give information, such as declaring gifts bought while abroad. You could be asked to fill out a declaration form if you lose something, such as your purse on a TTC bus. They are typically “unsworn”, meaning it’s not necessary to have your signature witnessed by a notary public, commissioner of oaths, or anyone else.