A commissioner for oaths can commission a variety of legal documents, including affidavits, statutory declarations, and certain government forms within Alberta.
A commissioner for oaths verifies a signer’s identity by checking a government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport. The ID must have a photo, signature, and description of the individual. The commissioner ensures that the person presenting the document is the person described in the document.
In Canada, a commissioner for oaths is not typically permitted to provide legal advice unless they are also a licensed lawyer. They can provide information about the commissioning process and the types of documents they can commission, but they cannot advise on legal rights or the legal implications of a document.
At our law firm, we offer commissioning services free of charge as part of our commitment to providing accessible legal services.
The time it takes to commission a document can depend on the complexity of the document and the number of signatures required. However, in most cases, the process can be completed in a single visit, often within 15 to 30 minutes. It’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment to ensure the commissioner for oaths is available.