Canadian Notary US document

As the world shrinks and connections between people strengthen, business procedures speed up. However, some aspects remain unchanged, like signing and notarizing documents. It is no longer unusual for documents regarding finances, marriage, and real estate to be notarized from overseas.

This brings up questions about the legality of using a Canadian notary for US documents.

Can a Canadian Notary Notarize a US Document?

Can you get a US document notarized in Canada? While it is possible, there are a few things to keep in mind – things might work a little differently than in the United States.

First, let us understand why we use notaries at all. They basically act as official witnesses, checking identification, administering oaths if you need to swear an affidavit, and certifying true copies of documents.

Make Sure a Canadian Notary is Acceptable for Your Document

Before proceeding, you must check and make sure the place you are submitting your document will accept a Canadian notary. While many state authorities and companies in the United States recognize Canadian notaries, some documents may require a notary who is licensed in the United States. If you need an American Notary, then you can check with the United States Consulate or Embassy about how to get your documents notarized.

Find out if You Need an Apostille

It is very common for United States authorities and companies to accept documents notarized in Canada as is, with no additional verification. However, if the US authority requires further verification, there is a process called an Apostille, where you can have your document notarized by a Canadian notary, and then apostilled by a Canadian Government authority for use in the US and other countries. For more information, please see the link below to our article about the Apostille process.

Getting Documents Notarized Abroad: Your Options

Need a document notarized while you’re outside the US? Here are two ways to get it done:

1. Notary Public Office: You can attend a notary public office, such as Red Seal Notary, to get your documents notarized. Be sure to bring photo identification and wait to sign any documents in front of the notary.

2. Mobile Notary: You can find mobile notaries, such as through Red Seal Notary, who will travel to your location for the notarization. This is convenient and flexible.

3. Online commissioning: It is possible to have documents commissioned online with notaries such as Red Seal Notary, as long as this is acceptable for the authority where you are submitting the document. Note however that the document will not have the embossed notary seal.

How Can Red Seal Notary Help?

Red Seal Notary’s team of professional notaries can help you commission or notarize US documents. After determining that a Canadian notary will be accepted for your documents, just bring them in to one of our convenient walk-in offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga, or make an appointment at locations across Canada.

Bring a piece of photo identification with your current name on it, and sign your documents in front of the notary. If you are having certified true copies made, be sure to bring the original hard copy documents with you. If you need an Apostille for your documents, Red Seal Notary can save you time and assist you with that process as well.

We even offer online commissioning for some documents, as long as you have determined that these are acceptable with the authority you are submitting it to. Please see our link below for more information on online commissioning. Please visit our website at www.RedSealNotary.com or contact our helpful call center at 1-888-922-7325 to make an appointment to notarize documents at locations across the country.