Question 1

What is a Commissioner of Oaths?

Accepted Answer

A Commissioner of Oaths is a person authorized by the provincial government to witness signatures on legal documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify copies of original documents. In Alberta, commissioners are appointed under the Commissioners for Oaths Act.

Question 2

What is the difference between a Commissioner of Oaths and a Notary Public?

Accepted Answer

A Commissioner of Oaths can witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents for use primarily within Canada. A Notary Public has broader authority and can authenticate documents for international use, including for apostille purposes. Calgary Oaths offers both services.

Question 3

Are documents commissioned in Alberta legally recognized across Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Documents commissioned by an Alberta Commissioner of Oaths are legally valid throughout Canada. For international use, Notary Public certification or apostille authentication may be required depending on the destination country.

Question 4

Can commissioned documents be used outside Canada?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the country and the document type. Many countries accept documents notarized by a Canadian Notary Public. For countries that have signed the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille from Global Affairs Canada is the standard authentication. We can advise you based on your specific situation.

Question 5

Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?

Accepted Answer

Both options are available. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. If you want a guaranteed time slot or have multiple documents, booking an appointment online is recommended.

Question 6

How long does a commissioning appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Most appointments take 15–30 minutes. If we are drafting a document for you from scratch, allow 30–45 minutes. Complex documents like apostille requests may take longer — we will advise you when booking.

Question 7

Do you offer same-day service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Same-day service is available during business hours. Walk in or book online for the same day. For urgent situations, call us at (587) 600-0746.

Question 8

Do you offer mobile service — can you come to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our mobile commissioning service covers all Calgary neighbourhoods, plus Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere by request. A distance-based travel fee applies (minimum $30). Select "Mobile" when booking and enter your address for an exact quote.

Question 9

Do you offer virtual or remote commissioning?

Accepted Answer

Virtual commissioning is available through select Notary Public and Barrister & Solicitor partners. Not all services can be completed virtually. Check availability during the booking process.

Question 10

What ID do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

You must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include: Canadian passport, provincial driver's licence, permanent resident card, or Canadian citizenship card. Expired IDs are not accepted.

Question 11

Should I bring my own document, or can you draft it?

Accepted Answer

Both options are available. If you already have a document prepared, bring it unsigned. If you need a document drafted, we offer drafting services for affidavits, statutory declarations, travel consent letters, invitation letters, and more.

Question 12

Should I sign my document before arriving?

Accepted Answer

No. This is very important: do NOT sign your document before your appointment. The whole point of commissioning is that you sign the document in front of the commissioner. A pre-signed document cannot be commissioned.

Question 13

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary by service and commissioner. When you book online, you pay a booking fee equal to the first document rate for your selected service. Additional documents are charged at your appointment. A $4.99 convenience fee and applicable taxes (5% GST in Alberta) are added to online bookings. Exact pricing is shown during the booking process.

Question 14

What is the booking fee?

Accepted Answer

The booking fee equals the minimum service charge — the rate for your first document. It secures your appointment and is not a separate fee. Additional documents, drafting fees, and mobile travel fees (if applicable) are collected at your appointment.

Question 15

Is there a convenience fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a $4.99 convenience fee is applied to all online bookings. This covers online payment processing and appointment management.

Question 16

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Credit/debit cards and Interac e-Transfer are accepted for online bookings. Cash, card, and e-Transfer are accepted at your appointment for any remaining balance.

Question 17

Do prices vary between commissioners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each commissioner sets their own rates. When you book online, you can compare prices across available commissioners for your selected service. The exact rate is shown before you confirm.

Question 18

Is drafting included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Some commissioners include drafting in their service rate; others charge a separate drafting fee. The full breakdown is shown during the booking process before you pay.

Question 19

What do I need for a child travel consent letter?

Accepted Answer

Bring both parents' government-issued photo ID (or one parent if you have sole custody), the child's passport or birth certificate, your custody order if applicable, and the travel details (destination, dates, and the name of the adult travelling with the child).

Question 20

What does IRCC require for an invitation letter?

Accepted Answer

IRCC recommends a commissioned invitation letter for most visitor visa applications. The letter must include: your full name and Canadian address, your relationship to the visitor, the visitor's full name and passport number, purpose and dates of the visit, and a statement that you will host or financially support them.

Question 21

What are statutory declarations commonly used for?

Accepted Answer

Statutory declarations are used to formally confirm facts — for example, to declare a lost document, confirm a common-law relationship, support an insurance claim, or make a name change declaration.

Question 22

How does the apostille process work in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024. Documents issued in Canada can now be authenticated via apostille by Global Affairs Canada for use in 120+ member countries. The process involves notarization by a Canadian Notary Public followed by authentication through Global Affairs Canada.

Question 23

What is the difference between affidavit commissioning and affidavit drafting?

Accepted Answer

Commissioning means we witness you sign a document you have already prepared — you bring it unsigned and sign in front of us. Drafting means we write the document for you from scratch based on the information you provide. Both include the official seal and signature.

Question 24

What services require a Notary Public vs. a Commissioner of Oaths?

Accepted Answer

Most domestic commissioning (affidavits, statutory declarations, consent letters) can be done by a Commissioner of Oaths. Certified true copies, power of attorney, will witnessing, document authentication for foreign use, and notarization require a Notary Public or Barrister & Solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Commissioner of Oaths

Appointments & Hours

What to Bring

Pricing & Payment

Specific Services

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