Notary Services in Winnipeg
June 20, 2022There are many instances when you may need a notary public to witness the signing of documents or produce certified original copies. In Manitoba, the role of a notary is to authenticate the validity of copies of original documents and act as an impartial witness to the signatures of documents, verifying that they were signed willingly and knowingly. At Pollock & Company, each of our local Winnipeg lawyers is authorized by the Manitoba Government to provide notary services.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is an individual with the legal authority to certify documents and witness signatures to help ensure the validity of documents under Manitoba common law. The role and powers of notaries vary by jurisdiction. In Manitoba, notary publics differ from commissioners for oaths by having the authority to certify true copies of documents and witness documents sent to other provinces and countries around the world. Commissioners for oaths, by contrast, are limited to witnessing signatures on documents that are staying in Manitoba.
Why Do I Need a Notarized Document?
Notaries play an important role in the legal system by deterring fraud and safeguarding the validity of the legal process. By formally certifying copies of documents and witnessing signatures, notaries help ensure signatures are made by the proper person and without undue coercion from other parties. Certifying true copies of original records assists in situations where it is impractical to send the original document.
What Types of Documents May Require Notarization?
Common examples of documents that require notarization in Manitoba include photo IDs such as passports and driver’s licences, diplomas, degrees, certificates, statutory declarations, letters of invitation, and educational applications.
What Steps Are Involved in Getting a Document Notarized?
After booking your appointment, your notary will require that you bring a piece of government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. In cases where the notary is acting as a witness, you will also need to bring in the original unsigned documents, so that the signature can be formally witnessed.
Should you require certified copies of your documents, a notary can copy the original for you complete with an official seal verifying it as a certified original copy. It is important to note that a notary cannot certify a true copy of a photocopied document; it has to be an original.
While the cost for notary services varies, most notary services incur only a small fee.
Where Can I Get a Document Notarized in Winnipeg?
In Manitoba, notary services can only be performed by authorized notary publics entrusted by the provincial government. Every lawyer at Pollock & Company is authorized to provide notary services and possesses the skills and knowledge to answer your questions. Call us today at (204) 956-0450 to book an appointment with our friendly and experienced Winnipeg team.
