- Must be signed in front of a notary public or commissioner of oaths
What Is an Affidavit in Ontario?
Understanding the Role of Affidavits in Legal and Official Matters
AFFIDAVIT DEFINITION
An affidavit is a legally sworn written statement made under oath or solemn affirmation. It confirms that the contents of the document are true to the best of the affiant’s knowledge. In Ontario, affidavits are commonly required for court cases, government applications, immigration processes, and more.
When Do You Need One?
You may need an affidavit if you are:
- Submitting evidence to an Ontario court
- Applying for immigration or visa-related processes
- Verifying marital status, identity, or name change
- Declaring financial statements, property ownership, or loss of documents
- Completing student aid applications (e.g., OSAP)
Affidavits are used when verbal statements are not enough and need to be documented formally.
Commisioned Affidavits
vs
Uncommissioned Affidavits
In Ontario, affidavits are legally commissioned, not notarized — unless they’re intended for use outside the province or in countries that require notarization.
A commissioned affidavit is one that has been sworn or affirmed in front of a licensed commissioner for taking affidavits (often called a “commissioner of oaths”), such as a notary public, lawyer, or paralegal authorized by the Law Society of Ontario.
Common Types of Affidavits in Ontario
Here are some of the most commonly notarized affidavit types in our Vaughan location:
Type
- Affidavit of Service
- General Affidavit (Form 14A)
- Affidavit for OSAP
- Affidavit of Divorce (Form 36)
- Affidavit of Identity / Name Change
You can also explore our full list of affidavit types here.
Purpose
-Legal proof of serving documents
-Used in various court matters
-Confirms student financial independence
-Required for divorce proceedings
-Verifies identity for official processes
Is This Recognized Online?
Yes. Notarize Vaughan offers fully online affidavit notarization. Whether you're in Thornhill, North York, Richmond Hill, or anywhere across Ontario, you can complete the entire process from your phone or computer — 100% legally valid.
Legal Requirements for Affidavits in Ontario
- The affiant must show valid government-issued ID
- The affidavit must not be signed before the notary meeting
Failure to follow these steps may result in rejection by the court or institution.
Why Choose Notarize Vaughan?
- 24/7 Online Availability
- Licensed Ontario Notaries
- Same-Day Turnaround
- Affordable Pricing ($29.99 CAD+)
Related Pages You Might Find Useful
- How to Notarize an Affidavit in Vaughan
- Affidavit Notarization Fees in Ontario
- Sample Affidavit Format (PDF)
- Certified Copy Notarization in Vaughan