In today’s globalized world, the need for a verified, authentic signature is more common than ever. Whether you are applying for a foreign visa, certifying academic transcripts, or making a formal sworn statement for a government agency, The Notary Group provides efficient and reliable notarization services across the Okanagan.

In British Columbia, a Notary Public serves as an official witness, ensuring that documents are signed voluntarily, that the identities of the signers are verified, and that the documents themselves are authentic.

Common Documents We Notarize

We handle a wide range of everyday legal documents. If you have a document that requires a seal or a witness, we can likely assist. Our most common requests include:

1. Certified True Copies

When you need to provide a copy of a vital record but don’t want to part with the original, a Notary can provide a Certified True Copy. We compare your original document with a photocopy and apply our official seal to verify it is an exact match.

• Commonly used for: Passports, Driver’s Licenses, Birth Certificates, Diplomas, and Degree Transcripts.

2. Statutory Declarations and Affidavits

A Statutory Declaration or Affidavit is a written statement of fact that you “solemnly declare” or “swear” to be true. These are legally equivalent to giving evidence in a court of law.

• Commonly used for: Insurance loss declarations, residency requirements, marital status declarations, and ICBC-related documents.

3. Travel Letters for Minors

If a child is traveling abroad with only one parent, a relative, or a friend, border authorities often require a Notarized Travel Consent Letter. This document proves that the non-traveling parent(s) have given permission for the trip, helping to prevent delays at customs.

4. Letters of Invitation for Foreign Visitors

If a family member or friend is applying for a visitor visa to enter Canada, the Canadian consulate may require a Letter of Invitation notarized by a BC Notary to verify the host’s information and commitment to support the visitor.

International Authentications & Apostilles

As of early 2024, Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention. This significantly changed how documents are prepared for use in other countries.

If you have documents intended for use outside of Canada—such as property sales in Mexico, retirement in Europe, or teaching abroad in Asia—the “Apostille” process replaces the old, cumbersome “Legalization and Authentication” chain. At The Notary Group, we ensure your documents are prepared in the specific format required by the BC Authentication Office or Global Affairs Canada to receive an Apostille certificate.

Why Choose The Notary Group?

While many people think any signature will do, a professional notarization from a commissioned BC Notary provides:

• Legal Certainty: We ensure the document is executed according to the specific statutes of British Columbia.
• Fraud Prevention: Our rigorous ID verification process protects you and the receiving institution from identity theft.
• Professional Records: We maintain a permanent Notarial Register of every act we perform, providing a “paper trail” should your document ever be lost or challenged.

Preparing for Your Notarization Appointment

To ensure your appointment is quick and successful, please follow these steps:

1. Do Not Sign Yet: You must sign the document in the physical presence of the Notary. If you sign it before you arrive, we cannot notarize it, and you may need to print a fresh copy.
2. Bring Two Pieces of Identification: * Primary ID: Must be government-issued photo ID (Passport, Driver’s License, or BC Services Card).
   • Secondary ID: Must show your name (Credit Card, SIN Card, or CareCard).
3. Bring the Originals: If you need a “Certified True Copy,” you must bring the original physical document. We cannot certify a digital scan or a photocopy.
4. Ensure the Document is Complete: We cannot notarize documents with blank spaces or missing pages. Please fill out all necessary fields (except the signature) before your arrival.