Sometimes contracts or documents need to be signed without all parties present. In these instances, one party may request the other to get their identity verified and signature witnessed. 

When notarizing or witnessing a signature, one of our notaries will ask you to present a piece of government issued photo identification. Unfortunately, we cannot accept a health card as valid proof of your identity. Our notary will compare the photo to your likeness and then witness your signature. 

We are required to keep a copy of your government issued photo identification for a period of three years. The name on the document being signed must exactly match that of identification being used as proof of identity. This is especially true if your name has multiple last names. The notary will ask you to amend the document where the incorrect name is written and write in the full and correct legal name in its place. The documents our notaries witness can be used for use anywhere in Canada or abroad. Additionally, the document can be in any language as the notary's role is not to confirm the contents. 

If the document requests a separate witness (in addition to the notary), you must provide the witness yourself. Our notary cannot both act as the notary witness and the standard witness. 

This document can be signed in front of one of our qualified notaries. Notaries in Ontario are empowered to witness signatures and we would be glad to assist you with your document. Please feel free to contact us at 416-451-5553 or by email at info@notary-toronto.ca if you have any questions. Alternatively, please feel free to fill in the form below and one of our notaries will get back to you as soon as possible!