The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act allows Municipal Clerks and other Officials to take various types of declarations and to administer oaths. Documents requiring a Commissioner of Oaths and Affidavits can be commissioned at the Town Hall. The request for Commissioner of Oaths service must be made by the same individual taking the oath and signing the document. There is no guarantee that a document can be commissioned until it is seen by the Commissioner.

The Town's Commissioner of Oaths reserves the right to refuse commissioning services of any document.

How to Book an Appointment

You are not required to book an appointment for a Commissioner of Oath at Town Hall. Walk-in appointments are based on availability of the Commissioner.  Complete your document before visiting the Town Hall. Do not sign the affidavit section of the document.  The Commissioner of Oaths will witness the signature(s) of person(s) who are affirming/declaring the contents of a document to be true. 

At our office you must:

  • present your completed document
  • present one piece of original and valid government-issued identification showing your name, photo and signature (photocopies, scanned copies and pictures on electronic devices will not be accepted). 
  • additional identification pertaining to other individuals included in the affidavit
  • sign the affidavit section of the document in the presence of the Commissioner

Please note: This service may be available at surrounding Municipal offices also.

 Types of documents that can be commissioned by a Commissioner
  • delayed birth registration forms
  • application to amend birth registration
  • election to change of name of child under the age of 12
  • statutory declaration by an applicant to correct an error in registration
  • consent letter for traveling with a child commonly referred to as a travel document
  • legal name change application
  • insurance claims
  • Statutory Declaration for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) – Statement of Common Law Status/Supporting Children
  • vehicle ownership transfers
  • invitation letters for a visitor’s visa
  • Statutory Declaration In Lieu of Guarantor – for Canadian Passport
  • Statutory Declaration of Lost Identification
  • Town of Smiths Falls Planning applications.
 Types of documents that can't be commissioned by a Commissioner
 Under the  Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C. 17, the following documents listed below cannot be commissioned:
  • age of majority/Ontario photo ID applications
  • any documents requiring the signature of a guarantor (document will note this requirement)
  • court and/or legal documents (related to civil issues)
  • custody documents
  • declaration of claimant and indemnity
  • declaration for replacement of shares
  • divorce, separation, marriage, or cohabitation documents
  • documents noting the signature of a Notary Public is required
  • estate settlement documents
  • incomplete documents
  • international educational institution or association documents, including photographs
  • Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Family Responsibility Office forms
  • powers of attorney
  • real estate documents, including rental lease agreements
  • transfers of money or estates of a deceased person
  • wills, living wills, codicil to a will
  • Forms which call upon a Commissioner of Oath, yet also request certified true copies of other documents as attachments. Because the Commissioner cannot certify attachments, they cannot sign the affixed application (as listed above, the only exception is that of a federal government permanent residency application);
  • Affidavits of true identity required for an applicant of a marriage license. These must be signed by a notary public.
  • certified true copies

Fees

The current fees for 2024:

HST Exempt

$10 for residents and $2 for signature thereafter
$15.00 non residents and $2 for signature thereafter

The documents listed below will be commissioned free of charge:

  • affidavits regarding Town business
    • municipal elections
    • complaint under the Council Code of Conduct
  • pension purpose attestations of recipient being alive and confirming their residency

Notary Public

A Commissioner of Oaths is not a "Notary Public". If your document is required to be signed by a Notary Public, you must contact a lawyer and/or Notary Public. 

Note: We do not offer virtual/remote commissioning services.

Contact Us

Subscribe to this page