Commissioner of Oaths

A Commissioner of Oaths is a person who has authority under the Commissioners of Taking Affidavits Act to administer an oath when you sign an affidavit or statutory declaration. It is important to note that the Commissioner is not responsible for the content of the affidavit. The Council Services Department offers Commissioner of Oaths services.

It is not guaranteed that a document can be commissioned; it is at the discretion of the Commissioner of Oaths to choose to sign the document. If you would like to be sure your document qualifies, please email clerkvitals@citywindsor.ca with a copy of the document for review. If the Commissioner of Oaths has any doubts about the content of the document or the identity of the person making the declaration, for any reason, they may decline to sign it and advise the person making the declaration to consult a lawyer.

To take an oath:

  1. Bring a printed copy of your entire document. Your document must be completed before you visit our office; however, you must not sign the affidavit section of the document.
  2. Bring valid government identification to prove who you are, showing your name, photo and signature.
  3. Visit the Council Services Department at Windsor City Hall, 350 City Hall Square West - Suite 530, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).
  4. If the affidavit requires multiple signatures (for example, you and your spouse), you must both be present to sign in front of the Commissioner, with the proper identification.

The cost of commissioning is $30.00 per document. Acceptable payment methods are debit, Visa, Mastercard or cash.

For additional information, or to book an appointment, please call 519-255-6100 ext. 6139.

Notary Public

We do not have a Notary Public in the Council Services Department.

A Notary Public is authorized under the Notaries Act to handle various tasks, such as commissioning documents, certifying or notarizing documents to be true copies, and verifying signatures. Becoming a Notary Public involves stricter requirements, and most public notaries are lawyers or judicial officers. 

Authentications and Apostilles

Official Documents Services is the authority that issues certificates of authentication and apostilles in Ontario for a document to be used outside of Canada. This service is provided at the ServiceOntario office located on the second floor at 400 City Hall Square East, Suite 205. Fees may apply.

You may obtain more information about this service or book an appointment through ServiceOntario's website at Authenticate a document for use outside Canada, or by contacting their office at 1-800-267-8097.

Documents that can be commissioned include but are not limited to:

  • City of Windsor–generated documents
  • Affidavit for Lost/Stolen or Damaged Passport
  • Affidavit of Proof of Loss of Motor Vehicle/boat (from an insurance company)
  • Affidavit of Unregistered Vehicle (boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trailers etc.)
  • Application to Amend Birth, Death or Marriage registration
  • Canadian Citizenship forms
  • Pension proof of life and residency documents (Proof of Life documents will specify which individuals are authorized to certify the document.)
  • Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) withdrawal due to financial hardship
  • Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief - Immunization of School Pupils Act (Immunization exemptions)
  • Statutory Declaration by contractor regarding holdbacks/security deposit
  • Statutory Declaration for Application to Change a Name - Adult or Child
  • Statutory Declaration for Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of an Adult
  • Statutory Declaration for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) – Statement of Common Law Status/Supporting Children
  • Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (specific Canadian Passport form only)
  • Statutory Declaration of Apprenticeship Hours
  • Statutory Declaration of Progress Payment Distribution – subcontractor
  • Statutory Declaration of Theft of GST or Federal Cheques
  • Sworn Statement for a family Gift of a used Vehicle in the Province of Ontario
  • Vehicle Ownership Transfers - Sworn Statement for the Transfer of a Used Motor Vehicle in the Province of Ontario
  • Travel Affidavit (consent letter for travelling with a child)
  • Travel Industry Council of Ontario – Affidavit of Customer Claimant

Documents that will not be commissioned include but are not limited to:

  • Age of Majority/Bring Your Identification (BYID) card application
  • Bank/financial forms
  • Court-related documents (legal and/or civil)
  • Custody documents
  • Divorce, separation or cohabitation document/agreements
  • Documents that require Certified True Copies
  • Documents that require the signature of a Notary Public
  • Documents requiring the signature of a guarantor (except the Canadian passport)
  • International educational institution or association documents, including photographs
  • Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Family Responsibility Office forms
  • Power of attorney
  • Real estate–related documents/statements/transfer of land documents
  • Wills, living wills, codicil to a will

Council Services Department
Suite 530 - 350 City Hall Square West
Windsor, Ontario
N9A 6S1
Canada

For detailed and general inquiries, contact 519-255-6100 ext. 6139.
Fax: 519-255-6868
Email: clerkvitals@citywindsor.ca