Confused about whether you need a Notary Public or a Commissioner for Oaths in Saskatchewan? Learn the key differences, what documents each can handle, and when to use which service.
When you need to have a document notarized or sworn in Saskatchewan, you might wonder whether you need a Notary Public or a Commissioner for Oaths. While both can witness your signature and administer oaths, there are important differences in their authority and what documents they can handle.
A Notary Public in Saskatchewan is an official appointed by the provincial government who has the authority to:
The most significant power of a Notary Public is the ability to notarize documents for international use. If you're dealing with documents that will be used outside of Canada, you'll typically need a Notary Public, not just a Commissioner for Oaths.
A Commissioner for Oaths in Saskatchewan has more limited authority and can:
Commissioners for Oaths are primarily used for domestic documents within Saskatchewan and Canada. They cannot provide the authentication needed for international documents.
| Service | Notary Public | Commissioner for Oaths |
|---|---|---|
| Administer oaths | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Take affidavits | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Statutory declarations | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Certify true copies | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| International documents | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Official seal | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Typical cost | $25-$75 | $10-$30 |
Choose a Notary Public when you need:
You can use a Commissioner for Oaths for:
Ask yourself these questions:
Will this document be used outside Canada?
Do you need a certified true copy?
Does the document require an official seal?
Is this for a legal proceeding or government application?
Note: Many lawyers and some public offices offer free Commissioner services to their clients or the public.
If you use a Commissioner for Oaths on a document that requires notarization (especially for international use), the document may be rejected. Always verify requirements first.
Never sign the document before meeting with the notary or commissioner. They must witness you signing the document in their presence.
Some documents require witnesses in addition to the notary. Check document requirements before your appointment.
Ensure all fields are filled out (except the signature) before your appointment. The notary cannot provide legal advice on how to complete forms.
Bring current, government-issued photo identification. Expired ID may not be accepted.
Some notaries offer mobile services and can come to your location (hospital, home, workplace). This typically costs an additional $50-$100 for travel.
Emergency notarization services may be available outside regular business hours at premium rates.
If you have several documents to notarize, ask about package rates to save money.
Yes, in Saskatchewan, practicing lawyers are automatically authorized to act as Notaries Public as part of their law practice.
For straightforward documents, the process typically takes 10-15 minutes per document. More complex documents may take longer.
The notarization itself doesn't expire, but the receiving organization may have time limits on how recent the document must be.
Saskatchewan does not currently have a comprehensive remote online notarization system. You must appear in person before the notary.
Mobile notary services can come to you at home, in hospital, or in long-term care facilities.
Using the wrong service can result in:
At South Sask Process Services, we offer full Notary Public services throughout Saskatchewan, including:
Our experienced notaries can help you determine exactly what service you need and ensure your documents are properly executed the first time.
We serve clients throughout Saskatchewan, including:
Most documents can be completed same-day. We understand that notarization is often time-sensitive, especially for immigration or legal deadlines.
Don't risk having your important documents rejected due to improper notarization. Whether you need a Notary Public for international documents or a Commissioner for Oaths for local affidavits, our team can provide the right service with professionalism and accuracy.
Request notary services today to discuss your specific needs.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements for notarization vary by jurisdiction and document type. Always verify specific requirements with the receiving organization before having documents notarized.
Contact South Sask Process Services for expert legal process serving, notary services, and more across Saskatchewan.
Request Service