Can any lawyer notarize a document in Canada?

In Canada, there is a standard process through which lawyers can earn their license to notarize a document in Canada in the province where they practice. So if you are curious to know can any lawyer notarize a document in Canada, then the answer is YES, they can act as notary publics if they have been appointed for this service in the respective province. Note that not every licensed lawyer is eligible to notarize a document in Canada.

Notaries and lawyers are two different sides of the same coin. No lawyer can notarize a document in Canada until it is authorized. On the other hand, notary publics are appointed by provincial governments. Not all lawyers are notary publics, and not all notary publics are lawyers.

A notary public vouches for the authenticity of the signatures on the documents by approving the government-issued identification cards of all parties involved. They also ensure that the individuals signing are aware of the contents of the document. The overall duty of a notary public is to witness and certify documents, administer oaths, and perform other legal acts.

In some Canadian provinces, if a person is admitted to the bar then they are accredited as notaries public. Whereas, in other provinces, the lawyers have to apply to the notary public commission. 

• Each Canadian province has different regulations on whether a lawyer can act as a notary public or not.
• In some provinces, all lawyers are automatically notaries. 
• However, in other provinces, lawyers must apply for additional certification.
   

The licensed lawyer can notarize a document in Canada, his/her work will carry legal weight and will be recognized as authentic by courts, government agencies, and other institutions. They vouch that the individuals signing the document are who they claim to be and are aware of the contents of the document.

• Notaries are publicly appointed by provincial or territorial governments.
• In some provinces, lawyers are automatically designated as notaries public when they are admitted to the bar.
• In other provinces, lawyers must apply for a separate notary public commission.
• Canadian Senators, MLAs, MPs, and Judges may also have the authority to notarize documents, depending on provincial or territorial regulations.
• Under certain circumstances and with supervision, law students may be permitted to notarize documents.
• Private notary services, once certified, can offer notarial services.

While many lawyers in Canada may also be notaries public, not all lawyers automatically have the authority to notarize documents. It's essential to check the specific regulations in your province and confirm whether a lawyer is authorized to perform notarial acts before seeking their services for notarization. For reliable notarization services in Canada, contact Globeia!