Are you looking for ways to expand your professional opportunities in Ontario? Becoming a notary public can be a great way to do just that! Not only does it provide an additional stream of income, but it also allows you to offer valuable services to individuals and businesses. However, the process of becoming a notary can seem overwhelming at first. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide on becoming a notary in Ontario!
Introduction to Notaries and Their Role in Ontario
A notary is a person the Ontario government has appointed to witness documents, administer oaths, and perform other duties specified by provincial legislation. Notaries are different from lawyers and paralegals in that they are not allowed to give legal advice or represent clients in court.
Notaries have been used in Ontario since the early 19th century, and their role has evolved over time. Today, notaries are often used to witness the signing of important documents, such as contracts, deeds, and wills. They can also administer oaths for affidavits and statutory declarations. In addition, notaries can certify copies of original documents and take depositions (i.e., sworn statements).
If you need a document witnessed or an oath administered, you can visit a notary public during regular business hours at their office or place of small business. Some notaries also offer mobile services and can visit your home or office.
How to Become a Notary in Ontario?
In order to become a notary in the province of Ontario, there are a few steps that must be followed:
- An individual must be at least 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- The individual must have their fingerprints taken by a police force, which can be done at any local police station
- After the fingerprinting has been completed, the individual must submit an application to the Ministry of the Attorney General along with the required fee
Once the application has been approved, the Office of the Registrar General will contact the individual to schedule their notary commissioning ceremony.
Finally, after the commissioning ceremony is complete and the individual has been sworn in as a notary, they must make sure to purchase a notary seal. This seal must be used on all their documents or certifications to prove they are a legitimate notary public within Ontario. With these steps completed, an individual will be fully qualified to practice as a notary in the province of Ontario.
What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in Ontario?
In order to become a Notary in the province of Ontario, you must:
- Should be at least 18 years of age
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a clean criminal record
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Complete an accredited Notary education program
An Ontario Notary is someone who the provincial government licenses to perform certain legal services, such as witnessing signatures on documents and taking affidavits. Notaries are different from lawyers in that they cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary in Ontario?
The cost of becoming a notary in Ontario varies depending on the route you take. If you choose to take the Notary Public Examination, the cost is $325. This includes the cost of the examination and your Notary Public license. If you choose to take the Jurisprudence Exam and the Notary Public Examination, the cost is $425. The cost of taking both exams may be higher, but it will save you time in the long run.
If you are already a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada, you can apply for a commission as a notary public without taking any exams. The cost of this application is $145.
What is the Exam Process Like for Notary Certification?
To become a notary in Ontario, you must first pass an exam administered by the Ministry of the Attorney General. The exam consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical examination.
The written examination tests your knowledge of the Notaries Act, the rules governing the practice of notaries in Ontario, and other related legislation. The practical examination tests your ability to complete common notarial tasks, such as taking acknowledgements and administering oaths. You must pass both examinations to be certified as a notary in Ontario.
What is Included in the Notary Education Program?
The Notary Education Program includes four compulsory courses and one elective course. The four compulsory courses are:
- Introduction to the Role of the Notary Public
- Notarial Procedures
- Legal Research and Writing
- Ethics for Notaries Public
The elective course can be chosen from a range of topics, including but not limited to real estate law, wills and estates law, family law, or commercial law.
Several different institutions, both online and in-person, offer the Notary Education Program. It is important to choose an accredited program to ensure you will be eligible to take the Notary Public Exam.
Additional Resources for Becoming a Notary
It would be best if you did a few things to prepare to become a notary in Ontario. First, you should have your documents in order. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. You should also have a clean criminal record; if you have any criminal convictions, you will need to disclose them when you apply for your Notary commission.
Next, you will need to take a notary course approved by the province of Ontario. This course will teach you about the duties and responsibilities of a notary, as well as how to execute documents properly. After completing the course, you must pass a written exam to receive your Notary commission.
Once you have your Notary commission, you will be able to start practising as a notary. You should keep a few things in mind when performing notarial acts, such as making sure the person signing the document is of sound mind and is doing so willingly. You should also keep accurate records of all notarial acts that you perform.
Conclusion
Becoming a Notary in Ontario is a great way to start your career in law and serve the public. It requires completing an educational program, taking an exam, submitting all necessary documents, and paying applicable fees. You can easily become a Notary Public in Ontario with hard work and dedication. By following these steps, you will be able to join this noble profession and offer valuable services to the people of Ontario.
FAQ – How to Become a Notary in Ontario?
Can anyone become a notary public in Ontario?
Yes. Anyone at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and not found guilty of any indictable offence in Canada can become a notary public in Ontario. There is no educational requirement to become a notary public, but you must have strong reading and writing skills in English or French. You must also be able to understand complex legal documents.
How much does a notary public make in Ontario?
A notary public in Ontario can expect to earn a salary of $30,000 to $85,000 per year. This range is based on the size of the city or town in which they practice and the number of years they have been in practice.
Can you make money as a notary in Canada?
Yes, you can make money as a notary in Canada. Ontario’s going rate for notarizing documents is $25 + HST per document. Notaries are also allowed to charge for travel time if the client is outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
How much do notary signing agents make in Canada?
In Canada, notary signing agents earn an average of $70,000 annually. This can vary depending on the province or territory in which you work and your experience and qualifications. Notary signing agents sometimes earn a commission for each document they notarize.
Is a notary in Canada a lawyer?
A notary in Canada is not a lawyer, but they may provide some legal services. Provincial governments and the federal government regulate notaries. In order to become a notary, you must first complete an accredited notary program.
There are a few different types of notaries in Canada:
Commissioners for taking affidavits: Commissioners taking affidavits are authorized by the province to take affidavits, declarations, or affirmations. They can also administer oaths.
Notaries public: Notaries public are authorized by the province to perform general notarial functions, such as witness signatures on documents and certifying copies of original documents.
Commissioners for oaths: Commissioners for oaths are authorized by the province to administer oaths, affirmations, and declarations.
