Notary Public in Peterborough

In Ontario, a notary public is a legal professional authorised to witness signatures, administer oaths, certify copies of documents, and authenticate documents for international use. A commissioner of oaths has a narrower role: they can administer oaths and take affidavits, but cannot certify copies or perform international authentication.

It is not uncommon for lawyers licensed by the Law Society of Ontario to hold both appointments. When you visit Bussey Ainsworth, we determine which capacity is appropriate for your document and handle it accordingly. In practice, the distinction rarely matters for clients.

Please bring the following:

• Valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s licence or passport)
• The document or documents you need notarised, sworn, or witnessed
• If you need a certified copy, bring both the original and the copy
• Any supporting materials relevant to your document

If you're unsure what type of notarisation your document requires, call us at (705) 749-0628 and we'll let you know before your visit.

A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that a notary public has examined and certified as a true and accurate reproduction. Certified copies are commonly required for:

• Immigration and citizenship applications
• Passport applications
• Academic transcripts for foreign institutions
• Corporate filings and regulatory submissions
• Insurance claims

Bring the original document and the copy to our office. We'll compare them and provide the certification.

The Canada Border Services Agency recommends a notarised travel consent letter any time a child under 18 is travelling internationally with only one parent, a grandparent, or another adult who is not their legal guardian. The letter should be signed by the non-travelling parent or parents. While not always checked, border officers in Canada and abroad have the authority to request the letter, and being without one can cause delays or even denied entry. We prepare and notarise travel consent letters in our office, usually while you wait.

Yes. Documents intended for use abroad may require notarisation, authentication by Global Affairs Canada, and legalisation by the relevant embassy or consulate. We can notarise the document in our office and guide you through the additional steps. The exact process depends on the destination country and the type of document. Call us to discuss your specific situation.

Fees vary depending on the type of service. Straightforward notarisations (witnessing a signature, swearing an affidavit, certifying a copy) are typically modest. If we need to prepare documents for you (such as drafting a statutory declaration or travel consent letter), there may be an additional preparation fee. We're happy to provide a quote before you come in. Call our office at (705) 749-0628 to ask about fees for your specific situation.

In Ontario, lawyers licensed by the Law Society are often appointed as notaries public. When you visit a law firm for notarial services, you're working with a qualified legal professional who can identify potential issues with your documents and provide legal advice if needed. A standalone notary or commissioner of oaths may be limited to witnessing and stamping. At Bussey Ainsworth, we combine notarial services with decades of legal experience across real estate, wills and estates, business law, and more.