How to Get a Document Commissioned Online in Ontario
By Secure Commission · Updated
Since 2020, Ontario has allowed a commissioner of oaths to administer an oath or take a declaration over video instead of in person. That means many affidavits, statutory declarations and consent letters can be completed without travelling to an office. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
Step 1: Confirm your document can be commissioned remotely
Most documents that need a commissioner's signature can be handled by video, but the organization that will receive the document has the final say. Before booking, check:
- That the document needs a commissioner of oaths and not a notary public
- That the receiving organization (a court, government office, insurer or lender) accepts remotely commissioned documents
- Whether the document will be used inside Ontario, elsewhere in Canada or outside the country
If you are unsure, ask before you book.
Step 2: Book an appointment and prepare your document
Choose an appointment time and have the unsigned document ready. Read it carefully beforehand: you are swearing or declaring that its contents are true, so any corrections should be made before the appointment.
Step 3: Prepare your identification
Have a valid, government-issued photo ID ready to show on camera. The commissioner must confirm your identity before administering the oath or declaration. See our guide on ID requirements.
Step 4: Join the video call
Ontario's rules require that you and the commissioner can see, hear and communicate with each other in real time for the entire appointment. The commissioner will confirm your identity, confirm where you are located, take reasonable steps to make sure you understand the document, and then administer the oath or affirmation.
Step 5: Sign and receive the commissioned document
You sign as directed during the session. The commissioner completes the jurat, the section that records who administered the oath and how, including a statement that it was done remotely in accordance with the regulation. You then receive the commissioned document electronically.
Common reasons appointments are delayed
- Expired ID or a name on the ID that does not match the document
- A poor camera or unstable connection
- Signing the document before the appointment
- The receiving organization actually requires a notary
Ready to go? Book an appointment or read how it works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a remote commissioning appointment take?
Most straightforward appointments take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the document and the number of signers.
Do I need special software?
You need a device with a working camera, microphone and a stable internet connection so the commissioner can see and hear you in real time throughout the appointment.
Can I sign before the appointment?
No. Do not sign in advance. The commissioner needs to watch you sign, or confirm your signature, during the live session.
This guide is general information about remote commissioning in Ontario and is not legal advice.
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