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 or paralegal who is a member of the Law Society of Ontario can be appointed a notary public after submission and approved application.
Who Can Be A Notary Public
Individuals who are required to notarize documents in the Province of Ontario include senior government officials, Ontario-registered corporations engaged in international or inter-provincial trade, patent and trademark agents, as well as head offices of national and provincial unions conducting out-of-province business. Those seeking to venture into a new line of business or expand existing services available to clients are ineligible for appointment as a notary public. A non-lawyer notary public possesses the same authority as a commissioner for taking affidavits, and is authorized to authenticate signatures, marks, and document copies. Typically, a non-lawyer notary public is appointed for a three-year term and can submit an application through the office of the Attorney General. Upon submission of the completed application, the applicant must remit the necessary fees, which were $145 for lawyers and $110 for non-lawyers as of 2014.
