Notary Public FAQs | Common Questions Answered | Red Seal Notary
Your Questions, Answered.
Most Popular Questions
What is a notarized or commissioned document?
A notarized document is when a notary public signs and affixes a notarial seal to the document in order to make it official.
A commissioned document is when an oath or affirmation is administered by a notary public or a commissioner of oaths who then witnesses the signature of the deponent.
What is the difference between a Notary Public and a Commissioner of Oaths?
A notary public is authorized to certify copies and verify the execution of almost any agreement or legal document for use inside or outside of the jurisdiction, in addition to having all the capabilities of a Commissioner of Oaths.
A commissioner of oaths is authorized to administer oaths, affirmations and declarations.
Does Red Seal Notary offer document drafting services?
Red Seal Notary drafts simple Affidavits such as Statutory Declaration of Single Status or Common Law Status, Consent to Travel letters & Letters of Invitation.
Is the notary able to explain my document to me or tell me if it is correct before I sign and notarize?
The notary does not explain the content of the document nor does it review the document for accuracy. The notary will verify the identity of the person signing the document and witnesses the signature.
Does Red Seal Notary offer walk-in service?
Yes, this service is provided at select walk-in locations where no appointment is necessary.
Is there a line up at walk-in locations and how long is the wait time to be served?
There are generally no long lineups and, in most cases, you will be served immediately. In situations where there is a wait time, it would be about 10-15 minutes.
How do I book an appointment at a location other than walk-in?
To book an appointment:
Call Us Toll Free: 1-888-922-7325
Email Us: info@redsealnotary.com OR
Complete an online appointment request: Appointment
Does Red Seal Notary offer online commissioning or mobile notary services?
Yes, we offer both of these services as an added convenience.
How long does it take to notarize or commission a document?
The time required depends on the number of documents, number of signatures and notarization seals. However, in general for a normal walk-in appointment, the time is around 10-15 minutes.
What do I bring to an appointment?
Normally, one piece of valid government issued photo ID and the original document is required. The person signing the document must appear before the notary.
Can I use an ID if it has expired?
No, expired IDs are not valid and not acceptable.
Why do some locations only list the major intersection?
For by appointment locations, the major intersection is provided so clients can identify the location. To ensure the notary is in the office and available to assist the client, appointments are scheduled prior to providing the exact address. Click here for a list of our locations.
To book an appointment, please call us at 1-888-922-7325,
or click here to book an appointment online.
Can I still get my documents notarized if I have no identification card?
A valid government issued photo Identification is required for all notarization and commissioning services unless the service is for certified true copies of original documents.
Is the notary able to make a certified true copy of a photocopy of a document?
For certified true copy, the notary must be presented with the original document to ensure the originality of the document. We cannot accept a photocopy.
Can my signature be witnessed on a document that is in a language other than English or French?
Yes, the notary is able to witness your signature regardless of the language, provided you are able to attest to the contents of the document.
Can I bring a pre-signed document on behalf of someone else to have it notarized?
No, the person signing the document must sign on front of the notary.
Apostille
I have to send documents overseas and it has to be apostilled. What does this mean?
Documents of Canadian origin that are being used abroad need to be apostilled. Red Seal Notary’s team works closely with Authentication Departments, Consulates, and Embassies to have such documents apostilled, authenticated and legalized on behalf of clients.
How long does the apostille process take?
The processing time depends on the complexity of the file and factors such as the document type and the country it is being sent to. In general, our dedicated team is able to complete the apostille within 1-2 business days upon receipt of documents. Urgent requests and same day service may be available depending on the file.
The turnaround time for documents that need to be apostilled by Global Affairs is about 15-20 business days.
A more accurate timeline can be provided by emailing a scan of your documents and the country it is being sent to info@redsealnotary.com
Do you provide translation services for foreign documents?
Red Seal Notary works closely with a translation company that specializes in all languages and able to have documents translated in any language requested.
Are your notaries registered with Provincial and Federal authentication offices?
Red Seal Notary’s team of notaries are appointed in their jurisdiction and registered with both Provincial and Federal authentication offices (Global Affairs Canada) to ensure the process is not delayed by registration issues.
What if I have to leave the country before my documents are ready?
Provided you notify us in advance and provide your international address, we will ship your documents to you via courier.
Fingerprinting
Is Red Seal Notary an RCMP accredited fingerprinting agency?
Yes, Red Seal Notary is an accredited agency and has an accreditation certificate to provide fingerprinting services.
What types of fingerprints does Red Seal Notary provide?
Red Seal Notary provides electronic submission to the RCMP for Canadian record check, ink and roll fingerprints for foreign jurisdictions and Card Scan for fingerprints of those individuals that are outside of Canada.
How long does it take to take the fingerprints?
Each session takes approximately 10-20 minutes.
How long will it take for my digital fingerprints to be processed by the RCMP?
- If there is no criminal record and you have never been fingerprinted for a criminal offence in Canada, the RCMP will make every effort possible to process the request within 72 hours of receiving the electronic submission and will then mail it out.
- If a criminal record is encountered during the verification process, processing time will be increased to up to 120 days.
What should I do if I don’t receive my results from RCMP?
The fastest way to obtain information about the status of your results is to contact RCMP and provide the DCN number.
What type of identification do I need to bring with me?
You must provide two pieces of valid government issued identification, at least one of which must include a photo.
The following types of identification are acceptable:
Passport, Citizenship Card or Document, Immigration Document (Student Visa, Work Visa, Landing Papers), Birth Certificate, Driver’s License, Permanent Resident Card or Record of Landing for Citizenship applicants, Government ID (if you are employed by a federal or provincial branch of the Government), Health card with photo
Please note SIN card is NOT acceptable.
What else do I need to bring with me in addition to my identification cards?
You may need to provide additional documentation or information in the following incidents:
- If the requesting party has provided you with a letter requesting fingerprints and/or a file number or numbers;
- If a specific fingerprint card must be used, other than an RCMP or FBI card, please bring it (them) with you;
- If the results are to be submitted to a third party, please have all necessary contact information;
- If the requesting party has specific or unusual requirements, such as the fingerprint card must be notarized, please bring the instructions and notify our staff member in advance.
Do I need to book an appointment for fingerprinting service?
No appointment is necessary. However, it is important to make sure the location you are visiting offers this service.
Card Scan Fingerprints
How do I get Canadian fingerprints when I am outside of Canada?
Red Seal Notary is an accredited fingerprinting agency offering card scan services in these situations.
What is card scan?
Card scan allows Red Seal Notary to digitized your ink fingerprints taken by the local police in a country other than Canada and submit them to the RCMP electronically.
How can I send my fingerprints from outside of Canada for RCMP processing?
The first step to get started is to download our instructions and forms by visiting our dedicated page here. Once your package is ready, it should be couriered to our office in Toronto for processing.
How long will this process take?
It takes about 10 business days from when your prints are uploaded and submitted to RCMP database until it is mailed to an address within Canada.
Affidavits & Statutory Declarations
What is a commissioner for taking affidavits?
A commissioner for taking affidavits is a person who can legally administer an oath, affirmation or declaration, for example, to a person making an affidavit. It should be noted that all notaries are commissioners.
Does Red Seal Notary prepare affidavits and statutory declarations?
Red Seal Notary prepares limited affidavits and statutory declarations. To expedite the process, it is recommended for the client to complete the online form beforehand.
What type of common affidavits and statutory declarations does Red Seal Notary draft?
Red Seal Notary prepares Proof of Relationship Declarations, Name Discrepancy Declarations, Common Law Union Declaration, Marital Status Declaration, Identity Verification and OSAP affidavits and can customize an affidavit specific to a client’s request.
Does Red Seal Notary provide online commissioning for affidavits and statutory declarations?
Yes, please refer to Online Commissioning page for additional information.
Online Commissioning
What type of document can be commissioned online?
- Affidavits such as Affidavit of Identity, Service, Income, Divorce and Court
- Statutory Declaration such as Custodianship, Common Law, OSAP, Progress Payment
- Proof of Loss Form
- Consent to Travel letter
- Name Change Application
- Vehicle Transfer Family Gift of Motor Vehicle
- Any other Statutory Declaration or Affidavit that needs to be commissioned
How long does an online appointment take?
The length of time required depends on the complexity and number of documents that are being commissioned. However, in most cases the process will take 15-30 minutes.
What do I need to book my online appointment?
The first step to start the process is to send your document to info@redsealnotary.com in order to confirm your document can be commissioned online. Once confirmed, additional information and links to join the call and sign your document electronically will be sent.
What do I need to prepare for my online appointment?
You will need high resolution scans of front and back of valid ID of everyone signing the documents, all pages of the document including exhibits (prefilled but unsigned) and signed acknowledgment form.
Can all documents be notarized or commissioned online?
Documents that require commissioning, can be commissioned online. However, it is important to ensure acceptability of such by the authority to whom, and in the jurisdiction in which, the document is being presented.
Documents that require notarization cannot be done online as the notary must physically emboss the document with the notarial seal.
Consent to Travel
My children are travelling without me. What do they need?
- If a minor is travelling with only one parent, the non-travelling parent is expected to provide notarized consent to travel document.
- If a minor is traveling alone or is accompanied by an adult other than a parent, both parents are required to give consent or the sole documented custodial parent must provide notarized consent.
My spouse is out of the country and I have to travel with our child. Can the consent be given through email and Red Seal Notary to notarize my spouse’s signature by verifying the ID I have?
No, the parent giving consent must be physically present in front of the notary to sign the letter and for the signature to be verified.
Does Red Seal Notary prepare Consent to Travel letters?
Yes, Red Seal Notary offers drafting services as well as notarization of consent to travel letters. To expedite the process, please complete the online form beforehand so that the document is drafted and read to be reviewed and signed upon arrival.
Letter of Invitation
Does Red Seal Notary prepare Letters of Invitation?
Yes, Red Seal Notary offers drafting services as well as notarization of letters of invitation. To expedite the process, it is recommended the client complete the online form beforehand so that the document is drafted and ready to be reviewed and signed upon arrival.
Does an Invitation Letter drafted and or notarized by Red Seal Notary guarantee issuance of Visitors Visa?
A letter of invitation never guarantees issuance of a visitor’s visa. Visa officers will assess applications as a whole in order to determine the eligibility for granting a visitors’ visa to Canada.
Can more than one person sign the Letter of Invitation and who should appear in front of the notary to notarize the letter?
More than one person can invite and sign the invitation letter. All parties signing the document must appear in front of the notary in order to sign the letter.
