Notary Public Services

What Does a Notary Public Do?

A Notary Public is a public official authorized to witness and authenticate documents, administer oaths and affirmations, certify copies of original documents, and perform a range of other formal legal acts. In Nova Scotia, a Notary Public is appointed under the Notaries and Commissioners Act.

When a Notary Public signs and applies their seal to a document, they are certifying that the signing was performed correctly — that the person who signed is who they say they are, that they did so willingly, and that the document is authentic. This certification is recognized by courts, governments, financial institutions, and foreign authorities.

Services Available

Document Notarization

The most common notary service. A Notary witnesses your signature on a document and applies their seal and signature to certify the execution. Required for a wide range of documents including powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, consent forms, and many documents required by foreign governments or institutions.

Certified True Copies

A Notary can certify that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction. Commonly required when an institution needs confirmation of an original document — a passport, birth certificate, degree, or corporate record — without retaining the original. The certified copy carries the Notary's seal confirming it matches the original.

Real Estate Closing Documents

This service acts as local agent for an out-of-province legal representative on a real estate transaction. Documents must be provided in advance of the appointment. Available for residential and commercial transactions.

Powers of Attorney

Preparation, witnessing, and notarization of Special Powers of Attorney for specific transactions — for example, authorizing someone to execute a real estate transaction on your behalf while you are out of the country. For an Enduring Power of Attorney governing your finances generally, see the Power of Attorney page.

Affidavits and Statutory Declarations

A Notary can administer your oath or affirmation and witness the signing of affidavits and statutory declarations required for court proceedings, government applications, insurance claims, or other formal purposes.

Apostille Preparation

An Apostille is a certification recognized internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention that authenticates the signature and seal of a Canadian official on a document intended for use in a foreign country. Documents must first be notarized, then submitted to the appropriate federal or provincial authority for the Apostille itself. This service can prepare and notarize your documents to meet Apostille requirements.

Invitation Letters for Visitor Visas

A notarized invitation letter is often required when sponsoring a foreign national's application for a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa). A Notary can witness and certify your signature on the letter, giving it the official status required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Corporate Documents

Notarization of corporate resolutions, director consents, share certificates, and other corporate documents for businesses registered in Nova Scotia or requiring notarized documents for use in other jurisdictions.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's licence, or provincial ID card)
• The original document(s) to be notarized or copied
• Any original documents you need certified copies of
• If someone else will be signing on your behalf (e.g. under a power of attorney), bring that document as well

If you are unsure what to bring, send a message before your appointment and someone will advise you.

Notarization vs. Commissioning

A Notary Public and a Commissioner of Oaths both witness signatures and administer oaths, but their authority differs. A Commissioner of Oaths is typically authorized only within a specific province for specific document types. A Notary Public has broader authority and their seal carries more formal weight — particularly for documents intended for use outside Canada, or for courts and institutions that specifically require a Notary rather than a Commissioner.

If a document requires a Notary specifically, a Commissioner of Oaths is not an acceptable substitute.