How long is a notarized document valid in Canada?
Asked by: Chelsey Grady | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (71 votes)
In Canada, a notarized document does not expire. There is no expiration date associated with the notary stamp or seal. As long as the traditional or online notary had a valid commission by the Provincial or Territorial government, your document will remain valid.
Does a notarized document ever expire?
In summary, notarized documents do not expire and remain valid indefinitely unless there are specific laws or regulations that require them to be updated or renewed. It is important to understand your local laws in order to ensure that all documents remain up-to-date and legally binding.
Is a notarized document legally binding in Canada?
Legal Requirement
For some transactions, the law mandates the notarization of documents. This includes documents such as the affidavit of execution for a will, property transfer documents, separation agreements and more. Notarization ensures these documents are enforceable in court, should disputes arise.
Is a document notarized in Canada valid in USA?
Find out if You Need an Apostille
It is very common for United States authorities and companies to accept documents notarized in Canada as is, with no additional verification.
Can a US notary notarize a document in another country?
Second, yes, a document may be notarized in a foreign country by a notarial officer of that country or by a U.S. citizen taking the document to a U.S. consulate to be notarized by a U.S. consular officer.
Q&A: Is My Notarized Document Still Legal and Valid?
Is there an international notary?
And so, typically when you are here in the United States and you need a document notarized for your home country, a regular notary does not have the capacity to do that, but an International Civil Law Notary does and therefore, you have no reason to actually go to a foreign consulate.
Can a US notary notarize an UK document?
Yes, a U.S. notary can notarize a UK document as long as the signer is physically present before the notary during the act of signing. The key requirement is that the document must be signed in front of the Notary Public within U.S. jurisdiction.
Can I get a US document notarized in Canada?
Consular officials at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad can provide a service similar to the functions of a notary public in the United States. It is also possible to have a document notarized by a local foreign notary or local government official and then have the document authenticated by a U.S. consular officer.
Who is authorized to notarize a document in Canada?
In Canada, individuals who can notarize documents include lawyers, notary publics, and other professionals authorized by provincial or territorial law. Each professional category comes with specific legal authority and limitations.
Can I notarize a document online in Canada?
Yes! We can assist you with documents that require multiple signatures in a single appointment. You can simply add the additional signer when you book your appointment. If all signers are in the same location, they can join the online notary appointment from a single device.
Do notaries expire in Canada?
In Canada, a notarized document does not expire.
There is no expiration date associated with the notary stamp or seal. As long as the traditional or online notary had a valid commission by the Provincial or Territorial government, your document will remain valid.
What voids a notarized document?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
If this seal is missing or incorrect, the document becomes invalid. For example, the seal must include the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date. States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal.
What makes a document legally binding in Canada?
Generally, a contract is binding when the following is true: the parties intend to make a contract. there is an offer and an acceptance. the parties receive something in return for their promises.
How do I find my notary expiration date?
The dates your commission starts and ends are on your official certificate or record.
How long do notaries keep documents?
However, a common requirement is to retain them for at least ten years after the last entry. This period ensures that records are available for reference in case of future legal inquiries or disputes. For instance, in states like California, notaries must keep their journals for ten years.
Can a document be notarized twice?
Yes, it is OK. You may notarize multiple copies of an original document provided that the signer's signature on each copy is an original signature made in pen and ink and your notarization is “original” for each one. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
Is a Canadian notary valid in the US?
The general answer is yes, Canadian notaries can notarize US documents - as long as the laws of the state in which you'll use the document allows this.
How much does it cost to get a document notarized in Canada?
On average, the reasonable cost of notarizing a document in Canada, which includes notary expenses and time, starts at $15 for the first document and $10 for each subsequent document. However, additional services by the notary increase the cost drastically, ranging from $200 to $1,400 or more.
What is the difference between a lawyer and a notary in Canada?
While notaries and lawyers both deal with legal matters, notaries do not represent clients in court and do not get involved in litigation. Their work is restricted to non-contentious matters in which all parties involved have already reached an agreement.
How do I notarize internationally?
You can go to a notary at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By getting a notarization at an embassy or consulate, you're required to make a personal appearance, meaning the person requesting the notarization must appear in-person.
Who notarizes documents in Canada?
The Canadian government maintains a list of professionals able to provide certification or notarization of documents. Please contact one of the following professionals to notarize or certify your documents: Notary public. Lawyer, Attorney-at-Law.
Who can notarize an invitation letter to Canada?
To notarize a Letter of Invitation in Canada, find a qualified notary public or lawyer. Set up an appointment, bring your identification and the letter. Sign it in their presence. The notary will affix their official seal.
Can a US notary notarize a foreign document?
Generally, state laws do not expressly prohibit the Notary from notarizing a document that is not in the English language. However, depending on the circumstances, it may be inadvisable to notarize such foreign-language documents. The danger, of course, is that the document is being misrepresented to the Notary.
Where to get a passport copy notarized?
The UPS Store locations offer notary services to help make life easier. Once your documents are notarized, the center will help you make any necessary copies and ship them where they need to go.
What is the difference between a notary in the UK and the US?
US notaries generally notarise a document with a rubber notary stamp, which is easily obtainable online and similar to those used in a post office. English notaries use a seal which is unique to their notarial practice and registered with their regulator and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.