If you have ever booked a notarization appointment, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether you really do need to bring ID. The short answer is yes. Whether you are getting a document certified, swearing an affidavit, or signing a statutory declaration, your notary public or commissioner of oaths must verify who you are before they can proceed.

This requirement is not just a formality. It is a legal obligation that protects you, the recipient of your document, and the integrity of the notarial process.

In this guide, we break down which IDs are accepted, what happens if you do not have standard identification, and how requirements vary by the type of notarial service you need.

Why Identity Verification Is a Legal Requirement

In Ontario, a notary public operates under the Notaries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. N.6, and is bound by the professional standards set out by the Law Society of Ontario. One of the core duties of any notary or commissioner is to confirm the identity of the person appearing before them. Without this step, the entire notarial act is meaningless.

Think about what notarization actually does. It tells a government office, a foreign embassy, a financial institution, or a court that the person who signed a document is exactly who they claim to be. If a notary were to skip identity verification, the process could be exploited to fraudulently authenticate documents in someone else’s name.

This is why the Law Society of Ontario requires notaries to use the government-issued photo identification method as their primary means of verifying identity. The notary must visually inspect your ID, compare the photograph to your face, check that it is original and not expired, and confirm that the name on the ID matches the name on the document being notarized.

The Short Answer: Yes, You Need ID

Yes, you need to present valid identification for notarization in Ontario. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

That said, there is an important distinction worth understanding regarding how your appointment takes place.

Exception: Remote commissioning is permitted in Ontario for statutory declarations and affidavits only. Under Ontario Regulation 431/20 (Administering Oath or Declaration Remotely) under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act, a commissioner can complete these specific services using audio-visual technology.

However, ID is still required. During a remote session, you must show your valid government-issued photo ID to the camera so the commissioner can verify your identity before proceeding.

For all other notarial acts, physical presence is mandatory. The Law Society of Ontario confirmed in its February 2025 notice that online notarization under the Notaries Act is not permitted. Services such as certified true copies, vehicle transfers, passport applications, and attestation of documents must be completed in person. No exceptions exist for these services, regardless of personal circumstances or convenience.

This distinction matters because many people confuse remote commissioning with online notarization. They are not the same thing. Remote commissioning applies only to affidavits and statutory declarations and is governed by a different piece of legislation than notarial acts.

Accepted Primary ID for Notarization in Ontario

The Government of Ontario and the Law Society of Ontario both provide clear guidance on what constitutes acceptable identification. For notarization purposes, your ID must be:

An original document (photocopies and digital images are not accepted)
Current and not expired
Government-issued
Bearing a clear photograph that matches your face

Government-Issued Photo ID: The Standard

The following are the primary forms of accepted ID for notarization in Ontario:

Canadian passport
Ontario driver’s licence (must not have expired for more than one year), although it isn’t mandatory and not all notaries accept it.
Ontario Photo Card (for non-drivers aged 16 and older)
Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) card
Foreign government-issued passport (for non-Canadian residents)
Canadian Citizenship Card with photo
Immigration documents with photo: Study Permit, Work Permit, Visitor Record, or Temporary Resident’s Permit (IMM 1442 series)
Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued on or after December 15, 2009)

What Makes ID Valid

Your notary will check several things when examining your ID. The document must be the original physical card or booklet, not a photocopy or a digital image on your phone. It must be current. Expired passports and licences are generally not accepted, though Ontario driver’s licences that have expired for less than one year may still be accepted in some situations.

The name on your ID must match the name on the document you are having notarized. If there is a discrepancy, such as a recently changed surname, you may need to bring supporting documentation to explain the difference.

Secondary and Supplementary ID

In some cases, a notary or commissioner may ask for a second piece of identification. This often happens when the primary ID does not contain all three key data elements: legal name, date of birth, and signature. The Government of Ontario’s acceptable identity documents list outlines which documents satisfy which elements.

Common supplementary documents include:

Canadian birth certificate
Social Insurance card
Ontario health card (accepted for signature verification in some contexts)
Immigration documents, such as a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292), accompanied by a valid foreign passport
Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) identity card

The notary will assess the combination of documents presented and use their professional judgement to determine whether identity has been established to a satisfactory standard. Every notary has the right to request additional documentation if they have any doubt about identity.

What If You Don’t Have a Standard ID?

This is one of the most common questions people bring to a notary appointment, and the answer depends on the situation.

If you do not have a driver’s licence or a passport, your first step should be to apply for an Ontario Photo Card. This is a wallet-sized government-issued photo ID available to any Ontario resident who does not hold a driver’s licence and is 16 years of age or older. It costs $35, is valid for five years, and can be used for day-to-day identification, including notarization. You can apply in person at any ServiceOntario centre.

If you are unable to produce any government-issued photo ID, some alternative pathways exist:

Sworn affidavit: A legally signed statement providing your personal details and explaining why standard ID is unavailable. This must itself be commissioned before a notary or commissioner.
Certified copies from recognized institutions: Schools, employers, or places of worship can provide certified copies of records that confirm your identity. These must bear an original seal or stamp.
Institutional records with official seals: Original documents from established organizations that confirm your identity may be accepted in combination with other documents.

It is important to call ahead before your appointment if you think you may have an ID problem. The notary can advise you on whether the documents you have will be sufficient. Showing up without proper ID may require rescheduling the appointment, which can delay it if you are working against a deadline.

Please note that a notary may refuse to proceed with a notarization if they cannot establish your identity to the required standard. This is within their professional rights and obligations.

ID Requirements for Specific Notarial Services

While the core ID requirement is consistent across all notarial services, the context of each service is worth understanding.

Certified True Copies

A certified true copy confirms that a copy of a document is a faithful reproduction of the original. You must appear in person with your original document and a valid ID. The notary will inspect both and certify the copy. This cannot be done remotely.

Statutory Declarations and Affidavits

These are sworn statements that carry legal weight. You must present a valid ID so the notary or commissioner can verify your identity before administering the oath or declaration. As noted, statutory declarations and affidavits can be completed remotely under O Reg 431/20, but ID must still be shown via camera during the video session.

Child Travel Consent Letters

These documents require the signing parent or guardian to appear in person before a notary and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Given the sensitive nature of child travel consent, notaries are particularly thorough when verifying identity for these documents.

Commissioner of Oaths Services

When a commissioner of oaths administers an oath or takes a statutory declaration, they must verify your identity just as a notary would. The same primary ID requirements apply. Remote commissioning for affidavits and declarations is permitted under O Reg 431/20, with ID shown via video.

Visa Invitation Letters and Immigration Documents

These documents are often destined for foreign embassies or immigration authorities. A notary will require a valid photo ID and may also request additional supporting documents depending on the nature of the document being notarized. Accuracy is especially important here, as errors can delay visa processing.

Tips for a Smooth Notarization Appointment

Preparation makes a significant difference. Here is how to make sure your notarization appointment goes smoothly:

Bring your original, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Do not rely on a photocopy or a photo on your phone.
Make sure the name on your ID matches the name on the document you are notarizing. If there is a discrepancy, bring supporting documentation.
Bring the original document that needs to be notarized. For certified true copies, also bring the original you want copied.
Do not sign the document before your appointment. Many notarial acts require you to sign in the presence of the notary. Signing beforehand can invalidate the process.
If you are unsure about your ID situation, call ahead. The Notary Guy‘s team can advise you before you travel to the office.
Book your appointment online or walk in. The Notary Guy offers walk-in, drive-thru, and mobile notary services across Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Hamilton, and other GTA locations, seven days a week, including evenings.

Getting a document notarized need not be stressful. With the right ID and a bit of preparation, most appointments take just a few minutes. The Notary Guy’s team is trained to handle both straightforward and complex ID situations, and they will guide you through the process from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to bring ID to a notary appointment in Ontario?

Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all notarization services in Ontario. Your notary must verify your identity before proceeding with any notarial act.

2. What ID is accepted for notarization in Ontario?

The most commonly accepted forms are a Canadian or foreign passport, an Ontario driver’s licence, an Ontario Photo Card, and a Canadian Permanent Resident card. All must be original, current, and include a clear photograph.

3. Can I get a document notarized online in Ontario without showing ID?

Even for remote commissioning of affidavits and statutory declarations, which is permitted under Ontario Regulation 431/20, you must show a valid government-issued photo ID via camera during the video session. There is no ID-free pathway for any notarial or commissioning service in Ontario.

4. What if my ID has expired?

Expired ID is generally not accepted. An Ontario driver’s licence that has expired for less than one year may be accepted in some circumstances, but it is best to renew your ID before your appointment. If your passport has expired and you have no other photo ID, consider applying for an Ontario Photo Card at a ServiceOntario centre. Only a few notaries may accept an expired ID, but at their own discretion.

5. I do not have a driver’s licence or passport. What can I use?

You can apply for an Ontario Photo Card, which is available to any Ontario resident aged 16 or older who does not hold a driver’s licence. It costs $35 and is accepted as government-issued photo ID for notarization. You can also bring immigration documents such as a Permanent Resident card, a Study Permit, a Work Permit, or a Visitor Record, provided they contain your photograph.

6. Can I get an affidavit commissioned online in Ontario?

Under Ontario Regulation 431/20, affidavits and statutory declarations can be commissioned remotely using audio-visual technology. The Notary Guy offers online commissioning for these document types. You will still need to show government-issued photo ID via camera during the session.

7. Does my notary need to see the original document or a copy?

For most services, the notary needs to see the original document. For certified true copies, you must bring the original so the notary can compare it against the copy they are certifying. Do not bring only photocopies to your appointment unless you have confirmed in advance with the notary that this is acceptable.

Do You Need an ID for Notarization in Ontario?