Remote notarizing and commissioning by video
Ontario lets an affidavit or a statutory declaration be sworn over a live video call under O. Reg. 431/20. Angelina Shuster, a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, is a commissioner for taking affidavits by virtue of her licence.
- Live video under O. Reg. 431/20
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- English and Russian
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Tell us what the document is and who asked for it. We reply with whether it can be sworn by video.
What a video call can do, and what still needs a visit
Swearing a document and notarizing it are different acts in Ontario. Only the first may be done remotely.
By video
- Affidavits filed with a court or a tribunal.
- Statutory declarations required by a government form.
- Any document you swear or affirm is true.
In person only
- Certifying a true copy of a passport, diploma or other record.
- Attesting a signature as a notary public.
- Documents needing an apostille: Ontario does not authenticate remote notarizations.
Have these ready before the call
The commissioner must confirm who you are.
- The document, unsigned, with any exhibits.
- Original government-issued photo ID to hold up to the camera.
- A camera, microphone and steady connection for the whole call.
- The city and province you are calling from: the jurat records it.
How a remote appointment runs
Each step follows O. Reg. 431/20.
- Send the documentUpload it with the free assessment so it is checked before the call.
- Join the callCamera on throughout; show your photo ID and say where you are.
- Swear or affirm, then signYou confirm the contents are true and sign on camera.
- Commissioned copy returnedThe jurat is signed and the call is recorded.
The five conditions of a remote oath
Section 1 of O. Reg. 431/20 under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act lists them.
- Live two-way videoYou see, hear and talk in real time for the entire transaction.
- Identity confirmedThe commissioner confirms who the deponent is.
- A modified juratIt names the Regulation and where each of you was.
- Stamp details on the documentWhere section 5 of the Act requires a stamp, its information appears on the page.
- Reasonable precautionsIncluding making sure you understand what you are signing.
Section 2: the commissioner keeps a record of every remote transaction.
Sworn before me by video conference from the City of Richmond Hill, in the Province of Ontario, by stated as being located in the City of , on , in accordance with O. Reg. 431/20, Administering Oath or Declaration Remotely.
Who administers your oath
A paralegal licensee is a commissioner by virtue of office under O. Reg. 386/12, so no separate appointment is needed.
- Angelina ShusterLicensed paralegal, Law Society of Ontario, with over 25 years on immigration and criminal matters.
- Immigration declarationsIRCC’s statutory declaration of common-law union is sworn before a commissioner.
- English and RussianThe call can run in either language.
- Richmond Hill office10211 Yonge Street, Suite 205, with appointments by video.
Questions about swearing documents by video
Is an oath sworn by video as valid as one sworn in person?
Ontario permits it when every condition of O. Reg. 431/20 is met. Each recipient decides whether it accepts one, so check first.
Can a true copy be certified over video?
No. It is a notarial act, and the Government of Ontario states that remote notarization is not permitted.
Can a paralegal commission an affidavit?
Yes. Law Society of Ontario paralegal licensees are commissioners by virtue of office under O. Reg. 386/12.
Can I affirm instead of swearing an oath?
Yes. Section 17 of the Evidence Act lets a person make an affirmation instead of an oath, with the same force and effect.
This page is general information about remote commissioning in Ontario and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create a paralegal-client relationship. Our legal team assists with the full range of your matter, including applications filed with IRCC.
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