Affidavits in Ontario – Notary Public Services
An affidavit is a legally binding written statement of facts that is sworn or affirmed to be true.
Affidavits are widely used in legal, immigration, financial, and administrative processes across Ontario.
At Notaryspace, our licensed notaries can help you draft and notarize affidavits so they meet
court, government, and institutional requirements.
If you need an affidavit notarized, you can
book an appointment online or
contact us for assistance. You can also view all our services on the
Notaryspace Services page.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a formal written statement of facts made by a person (the affiant) who has direct,
firsthand knowledge of the information. The affiant swears or affirms that the contents are true, under penalty of
perjury. Affidavits are often required when another official document is not available, or when a sworn statement
is needed as evidence.
- Provide evidence in court or tribunal matters
- Confirm identity, residence, or personal details
- Support immigration, visa, or sponsorship applications
- Assist with banking, real estate, and insurance processes
Key Components of a Legally Valid Affidavit
1. Sworn Oath or Affirmation
The affiant declares that the information in the affidavit is true to the best of their knowledge. This is done
through an oath or affirmation, administered by a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.
2. Notarization by a Notary Public
In Ontario, most affidavits must be signed in front of a Notary Public or
Commissioner of Oaths. The notary verifies the affiant’s identity, ensures they understand the
statement, and then signs and seals the document to make it legally valid.
3. Clear and Accurate Facts
A good affidavit is clear, factual, and specific. It should only contain information that the affiant knows to be
true. Vague or inaccurate statements can cause delays, refusals, or legal issues.
4. Affiant’s Signature
The affiant must sign the affidavit in the presence of the notary or commissioner. Signing beforehand or outside
the notary’s presence usually makes the affidavit invalid.
Common Types of Affidavits in Ontario
At Notaryspace, we regularly prepare and notarize a wide range of affidavits, including:
- Affidavit of Identity – confirms a person’s identity when ID alone is not sufficient.
- Affidavit of Residence – verifies a person’s address for schools, government, or banks.
- Affidavit of Support – confirms financial support, often used in immigration matters.
- Affidavit of Marriage – confirms marital status or details of a marriage.
- Affidavit of Name Change – supports a legal or informal change of name.
- Affidavit of Consent – provides consent for travel, schooling, medical decisions, and more.
- Affidavit of Service – confirms that legal documents were properly served on another party.
- Affidavit of Heirship – identifies the legal heirs of a deceased person in estate matters.
If you require a specific type of affidavit, you can
book an appointment online or
contact our office for guidance.
Legal Importance of Affidavits
Affidavits are often treated similarly to live testimony because they are sworn statements. They may be used:
- As evidence in court or tribunal proceedings
- In support of immigration or visa applications
- In real estate and mortgage transactions
- For banking, financial, or insurance requirements
- In administrative and government decision-making
Providing false information in an affidavit is considered perjury and may lead to serious legal
consequences, including fines or criminal charges. It is important to be honest and accurate and to seek professional
help if you are unsure how to word your statement.
Why Work With Notaryspace for Affidavits?
Our licensed Ontario notaries and legal professionals at Notaryspace can help you:
- Draft affidavits that clearly reflect your situation
- Ensure your affidavit meets court or government requirements
- Notarize your affidavit in person or online (where permitted)
- Provide certified true copies of supporting documents when needed
We offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, as well as convenient
online booking for affidavit notarization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affidavits
Do I need a lawyer to make an affidavit?
You do not always need a lawyer to make an affidavit, but legal advice can be helpful if your situation is complex.
A notary public can witness and notarize your affidavit but does not necessarily provide legal advice unless they
are also acting as your legal representative.
Can I sign my affidavit at home and bring it to be notarized?
No. You must sign the affidavit in front of the notary public or commissioner. If you sign it in advance, the
notarization may be invalid, and you may need to redo the document.
Are online affidavits valid in Ontario?
In many cases, yes. Ontario allows remote commissioning and online notarization in certain circumstances. At
Notaryspace, we offer online notary services where permitted by law. You can
book an online appointment to see if your document qualifies.
How do I book an appointment for an affidavit?
You can book a time that works for you using our
online booking system, or you can
contact us directly if you have questions before scheduling.