What Is a Commissioner of Oaths and When Do You Need One?

Have you ever looked at a legal document and saw the words, "Sworn before me," printed in a small line?

This line signifies that you can't just fill out the document and mail it in; a legal witness is required to attest you made the oath. This legal witness is your Commissioner of Oaths.

For residents of Alberta, British Columbia, and indeed every Canadian, understanding this legal role will help you avoid processing time delays and potential legal rejection. This guide is meant to assist in the understanding of a Commissioner of Oaths, identifying the types of documents that need sworn declaration service, and how to get your documents commissioned in Edmonton or Surrey, online or in-person.

What Does a Commissioner of Oaths Actually Do?

A Commissioner of Oaths is a person who has been given authority by the provincial government to verify your identity and ensure that you recognize the legal implications of the oath which you are providing. 

Why is this required? When you sign a document before a Commissioner, you are, in effect, turning a piece of paper into a recognized statutory declaration service. You are swearing, or solemnly affirming that the facts you disclosed in the document are true. If they are untrue, you can be charged with perjury. 

Key Commissioner Duties:

• What does the Commissioner do, firstly verify the Identity: a Commissioner will check your valid photo id.

• Secondly, the Commissioner administers the oath: they will ask you to verbally state the contents in the document are true. 

• Third, the Commissioner will complete the documentation: they will sign the document and attach their seal, or stamp, finalizing the legal document attestation Canada.

Check the facts. A Commissioner of Oaths handles true affirmations of life. This is a thing of similar process, but they are not generally permitted to certify copies of original documents or dealing with international documents. For that, you need a Notary Public.

Do I Need One? Common Scenarios for Document Commissioning

If your form or paper includes the words Affidavit, Statutory Declaration or Sworn Statement, the answer is yes. You need a legally appointed person to handle the document commissioning.

When You Will Likely Need an Affidavit Commissioner:

Scenario	Example Document	Keyword Role
Legal Disputes	Filing an Affidavit for court motions, serving as evidence.	Affidavit commissioner
Lost ID/Travel	Swearing an oath for a lost passport or government ID.	Oath and affirmation services
Real Estate	Signing certain land titles consents or financial declarations.	Statutory declaration service
Personal Name Changes	Forms requiring a sworn statement to declare your identity.	Document commissioning
Estate Administration	Declarations related to the handling of a will or estate assets.	Sworn declarations

How to Find the Right Commissioner of Oaths Service

Whether you live in Canada or a different part of the world, discovering trustworthy document commissioning doesn't have to be a difficult task. Our services are available to any and all clients across Canada, with specific document commissioning services for residents of Alberta and British Columbia.

For In-Person Service: Commissioner of Oaths Edmonton

If you're situated in the Edmonton area and would like a face-to-face meeting, our professional office allows for simply being commissioned in-person. This is often necessary for sensitive documents or for individuals who prefer the traditional process. Booking your appointment with our Commissioner of Oaths Edmonton service ensures your paperwork is handled correctly the first time.

For Online or Mobile Service: Commissioner of Oaths Surrey

For clients located in British Columbia and across Canada who require the utmost flexibility, our Commissioner of Oaths Surrey service offers a modern solution. We offer:

• Online Commissioning Service: Meet over a secure video conference (Zoom or similar service) to have your document commissioned and with our online Commissioner of Oaths service you can do so from your home or office.
  

• Mobile Service: If you need a Commissioner to travel to your location whether it be your home, hospital, or business our mobile Commissioner of Oaths service will accommodate your request quickly in the Surrey and Lower Mainland area.

The Document Commissioning Process: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

The commissioning of a document is a fast process if you are organized. Regardless of the physical or online Commissioner of Oaths you are using, you will still follow the same process:

1. Identify Your Need (The Document)

Ensure that your document specifically requires a Commissioner of Oaths (or Affidavit Commissioner or Affidavit) and does not require a Notary Public because there are legal differences.

2. Locate Your Commissioner

Make use of the appropriate service: Call up our Commissioner of Oaths Edmonton team to process in person, or the Commissioner of Oaths Surrey for any online or mobile Commissioner of Oaths solution. 

3. Bring/Show Valid ID

You will be required to provide valid, government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. This is a mandatory step in the legal attestation of documents in Canada.

4. Swear the Oath

The Commissioner will now ask you if you swear or solemnly affirm that the contents of the document are true. You will then confirm this oath orally.

5. Signing and Sealing.

You will now sign the document in front of the Commissioner of Oaths. The Commissioner will sign the document, print their name and then stamp or seal the document with their professional stamp, at which point the commissioning of your document will be completed.

Why Your Choice of Commissioner Matters?

Accuracy is everything when dealing with important legal documents. Any error or mistake during the process of commissioning a document can result in rejection of said document, a delay in the legal process, and possibly, a financial cost. To remove guesswork and ensure your sworn declaration is enforceable and recognized by authorities throughout Canada, choose a service that is specialized in providing straightforward oath and affirmation services. 

Your choice of expert partner, to provide the service of Commissioner for Oaths, will provide you with an excellent use of your time, money and reduce stress whether you need a statutory declaration service in busy downtown Edmonton or a mobile Commissioner of Oaths in Surrey.