Who Can Become a Notary Public in Ontario?
Any Canadian citizen whose job requires notarizing documents can become a notary public. According to the Ministry of the Attorney General in Ontario, both lawyers and non-lawyers can apply to become a notary public. A lawyer who is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada can be appointed a notary public after admission to the Ontario Bar. However, only Ontario lawyers practicing in Ontario can apply.
Applicants whose jobs require them to notarize documents in the Province of Ontario are: senior government officials, Ontario-registered corporations involved in international or inter-provincial trade and commerce, patent and trademark agents, and head offices of national and provincial unions engaged in out-of-province business. Applicants who want to enter a new line of business or employment, or to expand services that are currently available to clients, are barred from appointment as a notary public. A non-lawyer notary public has all the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits, and he can also verify that signatures, marks and document copies are genuine. A non-lawyer notary public is usually appointed to a three-year term and can apply through the office of the Attorney General. When an applicant submits his completed application, he must pay the required fees: as of 2014, $145 for lawyers, and $110 for non-lawyers.
