What kinds of documents need to be commissioned or notarized?

More than you'd expect. Common ones include affidavits and statutory declarations (sworn statements, often for court or government), travel consent letters for children travelling without both parents, certified true copies of documents like ID, passports, or diplomas, insurance, pension, or benefit declarations, letters of invitation or sponsorship for immigration, and powers of attorney or other documents headed out of province or overseas. A good rule of thumb: if your document has a signature line for a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public, or asks you to 'swear,' 'affirm,' or 'declare' something, it likely needs this service. Not sure? Send me a photo or description and I'll let you know what's required.

How do I know whether I need a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public?

Documents for use within Alberta usually just need a Commissioner for Oaths; certified copies or documents headed outside the province usually need a Notary Public. If you're not sure, send me a photo or description and I'll let you know.

Do I need to be a client to use this service?

No — anyone can book a commissioning or notary appointment.

The unsigned document and a piece of valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's licence or passport) so I can confirm your identity. If the document requires a witness and includes an 'Affidavit of Execution' then you will need to bring a friend to act as your witness.

Should I sign the document before our appointment?

No, please don't. The whole point is that you sign in front of me, so bring it unsigned.

Can you notarize a document for use in another province or country?

Yes — as a Notary Public I can handle documents intended for use outside Alberta, including internationally.

Can you give me advice about the document I'm signing?

Commissioning and notarizing are about confirming your identity and witnessing your signature — not reviewing the document's content or advising you on it. If you'd like advice, that's a separate service we can talk about.

Are there free or other options for getting documents commissioned?

Yes, depending on the document. Court documents can often be commissioned free of charge at the courthouse by the court clerks. Every lawyer in Alberta is also a Notary Public — but fees vary widely from one to the next, since there's no fixed rate, so it pays to ask. Mine are posted right here, no surprises.

Commissioner for Oaths & Notary Public

Plenty of documents — affidavits, statutory declarations, certified copies, consent letters — need to be signed in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public. I can do both, on your schedule and wherever's convenient for you in Cold Lake.

Which one do I need? Not sure which applies? Here's the short version:

A Commissioner for Oaths witnesses your signature and administers oaths on documents used within Alberta — things like affidavits and statutory declarations.
A Notary Public can do all of that, plus certify true copies and handle documents meant for use outside Alberta, including internationally.

If you're unsure, send me a photo or description of your document and I'll let you know what it needs.

How It Works

Booking an Appointment

Contact me to book an appointment. When you reach out, please include a photo of the document or a description of what you need. Knowing the type of document ahead of time lets me flag any extra steps it calls for — some require specific wording, exhibits, or procedures — so our meeting goes smoothly and quickly.

Where We'll Meet

My practice is fully mobile, so I'll meet you wherever's easiest — Tim Hortons, the library, or another public spot. Let me know what you’d prefer.

My Fees (GST included)

Commissioner for Oaths — $30 (same-day rush: $45)
Notary Public — $60 (same-day rush: $90)

Cash or e-transfer preferred.

FAQs

More than you'd expect. Common ones include:
- Affidavits and statutory declarations (sworn statements, often for court or government)
- Travel consent letters for children travelling without both parents
- Certified true copies of documents like ID, passports, or diplomas
- Insurance, pension, or benefit declarations
- Letters of invitation or sponsorship for immigration
- Powers of attorney or other documents headed out of province or overseas
A good rule of thumb: if your document has a signature line for a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public, or asks you to "swear," "affirm," or "declare" something, it likely needs this service.
Not sure? Send me a photo or description and I'll let you know what's required.
Documents for use within Alberta usually just need a Commissioner for Oaths; certified copies or documents headed outside the province usually need a Notary Public.
If you're not sure, send me a photo or description and I'll let you know.
No — anyone can book a commissioning or notary appointment.
The unsigned document and a piece of valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's licence or passport) so I can confirm your identity.
If the document requires a witness and includes an "Affidavit of Execution” then you will need to bring a friend to act as your witness.
No, please don't. The whole point is that you sign in front of me, so bring it unsigned.
Yes — as a Notary Public I can handle documents intended for use outside Alberta, including internationally.
Commissioning and notarizing are about confirming your identity and witnessing your signature — not reviewing the document's content or advising you on it. If you'd like advice, that's a separate service we can talk about.
Yes, depending on the document.
Court documents can often be commissioned free of charge at the courthouse by the court clerks.
Every lawyer in Alberta is also a Notary Public — but fees vary widely from one to the next, since there's no fixed rate, so it pays to ask. Mine are posted right here, no surprises.

Message Linnée

Have a legal question or ready to book a consultation? I'm available to help clients throughout Cold Lake and the Lakeland region.