Commissioner of Oaths / Affidavits
Commissioner of Oath Services
The Commissioner of Oaths/Affidavits will sign documents relating to the following, but not limited to:
- I. Proof of Residency Documentation
- II. Vehicle Transfers
- III. Insurance Claims
- IV. Change of Ownership
- V. Insurance Claims
- VI. Pension Plan Documents
- VII. Certification of an Identifiable Individual’s Signature
- VIII. Any government-related forms
- IX. County of Elgin forms (including Land Division)
The Commissioner of Oaths/Affidavits will not sign documents relating to the following:
- I. Wills
- II. Living Wills
- III. Codicils to Wills
- IV. Powers of Attorney
- V. Divorce, Separation or Custody Agreements
- VI. Theft Related Documents
- VII. Real Estate Related Documents
- VIII. Court Documents or Documents Related to a Court Proceeding
- IX. Consents to Travel
- X. Documents that Require the Signature of a Notary Public
- a. A Commissioner of Oaths/Affidavits cannot notarize documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
As per the 2022 Fees and Charges By-Law, the commissioning fee is $20 + HST per document.
Commissioner of Oaths/Affidavits services are provided between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, at the County of Elgin Administration Building at 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas.
An Appointment is required to ensure the availability of the Clerk or Deputy Clerk, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Solicitor, or Senior Legal Counsel.
Walk-ins may be referred to the Municipality of Central Elgin or asked to return at on an alternate date if an authorized Commissioner is unavailable.
A person swearing an oath or affirming to a document must appear before the Commissioner of Oaths/Affidavits. The County of Elgin does not offer electronic commissioning services.
Proper identification with the signature of the deponent, such as a valid driver’s license, current passport, or any other government-issued photo identification must be presented.
The completed affidavit, with the exception of the signature, must be presented.
The signing of the affidavit must be completed in the presence of the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall not commission the document if it was not signed in his/her presence.
The Commissioner will administer the declaration, oath, or affirmation in advance of completing the Jurat.
The process is finalized when the Commissioner completes the Jurat and affixes his or her stamp or seal to the document.
The Commissioner of Oaths/Affidavits shall satisfy himself or herself of the genuineness of the signature of the deponent and administer the oath or declaration in the manner required by law.
Notary Public
The County of Elgin cannot notarize documents or certify any documents in the capacity of a Notary Public. Such requests are referred to law firms entitled to practice law in Ontario, Justice of the Peace or similar vocations eligible to notarize documents.