What Should I Bring to an appointment with a Notary Public in Kitchener?

At a Minimum, Bring These Three Things

1. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

You must bring the physical copy of original, valid, government-issued photo identification.

This allows the notary public to verify your identity. Without proper ID, the notarization cannot proceed.

(If you’re unsure what ID is accepted, see our post on What ID Is Accepted by a Notary Public in Ontario.)

2. Your Complete, Unsigned Document

Bring the entire document, including any schedules or attachments.

Important points:

• Do not sign the document in advance

• All pages must be present

• The document must be complete (not blank or partially filled in)

If it requires your signature (some circumstances require solely the notary public's signature) it must be signed in front of the notary public.

If You Have Instructions, Bring Them

Many documents are notarized for a third party, such as:

• A bank or lender

• A lawyer

• A government office

• An employer

• An institution outside Canada

If you were given specific instructions, bring them with you. These may include:

• Required wording

• Whether the document must be notarized or commissioned

• Any formatting or dating requirements

The notary public follows the document and the instructions — not assumptions.

Important Reminder About Notarization

In our office the notary public’s role is to verify identity and witness signatures — not to confirm whether the document is correct or appropriate for your situation.

Always follow the instructions of the organization requesting your document. Notarization does not guarantee acceptance. This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Requirements may vary depending on your situation and the organization requesting your document.