Federal Notary Commissioning: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how lawyers in Canada can obtain the authority to notarize federal documents and what is required to maintain the commission.
This scheme provides legal professionals with the formal authority required to notarize documents that fall under federal jurisdiction.
Who it's for
This commission is specifically intended for legal professionals. To be eligible, you must be a lawyer who is currently in good standing. This means your professional status must be active and compliant with the necessary regulatory requirements for your practice.
What you get
By obtaining this commission, you receive the official authority to act as a Notary Public for federal matters. This allows you to legally notarize documents that require federal recognition, ensuring they are valid for use in official federal processes.
What it costs you
There are costs associated with maintaining this professional status. You will need to pay an initial application fee to begin the commissioning process. Additionally, this is not a one-time cost; you are required to pay an annual renewal fee to ensure your authority remains active and valid for the following year.
The catch to know
The most important administrative detail to keep in mind is the requirement for your official seals. If your law firm undergoes a name change, your notary seals are no longer compliant in their current state. You must ensure that your seals are updated to reflect your firm's new name to avoid issues with the documents you notarize.
How to apply
- Confirm that you are a lawyer in good standing with the appropriate regulatory bodies.
- Prepare your application to submit to the Department of Justice Canada.
- Pay the required application fee to process your request.
- Once approved, ensure your notary seals are correctly configured for your current firm name.