Happy Law Notary Public
Notarizations in Vancouver
Professional notarization and Commissioner for Taking Affidavits services by appointment in Downtown Vancouver.
Whether you need a document notarized for personal, business, government, or international purposes, we provide professional notarization services for clients throughout Vancouver and British Columbia.
Every document is reviewed during your appointment to ensure the required formalities are completed before it is signed or certified.
What Is a Notarization?
A notarization is the process of verifying a person’s identity and witnessing the signing of a document or certifying that a copy is a true copy of the original.
A notarization is the process of verifying a person’s identity and witnessing the signing of a document or certifying that a copy is a true copy of the original.
Depending on the document, a Notary Public may:
- witness signatures
- administer oaths and affirmations
- certify true copies of original documents
- certify statutory declarations
- certify identity documents where authorized
The requirements vary depending on the document and the organization requesting it.
Documents We Commonly Notarize
We regularly assist clients with documents such as:
- Affidavits
- Statutory Declarations
- Certified True Copies
- Letters of Invitation
- Travel Consent Letters
- ICBC Statutory Declarations
- Identity Declarations
- Proof of Identity forms
- Pension and insurance forms
- Government forms
- Employment documents
- School, College and University documents
- Immigration Documents (IRCC)
If you are unsure whether your document requires notarization, please contact us before your appointment or reach out to the institution directly involved.
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
A British Columbia Notary Public is also authorized to act as a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits.
We can administer:
- affidavits
- affirmations
- sworn statements
If you are required to swear or affirm that information is true, we can explain the signing process before the document is executed.
If you are required to swear or affirm that information is true, we can explain the signing process before the document is executed.
What Identification Should I Bring?
Please bring valid, government-issued identification.
Generally, we ask for:
One piece of government-issued photo identification bearing your signature, and
a second piece of identification where appropriate.
Examples may include:
- driver’s licence
- passport
- Permanent Resident Card
- BC Services Card
- NEXUS card
- birth certificate
- Social Insurance card (where appropriate)
If your name differs between your identification and the document, additional documentation or an affidavit may be required.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your appointment:
Read the document carefully
- complete any blank sections that do not require your signature
- bring all supporting documents requested by the receiving organization
- do not sign the document unless instructed to do so
Many documents must be signed in the presence of the Notary.
If you do not understand the contents of a document, you should contact the organization that prepared it before signing. We cannot advise on the meaning or purpose of a document prepared by a separate institution.
Documents We Prepare
Some legal documents should be professionally prepared rather than simply notarized.
These include:
- Wills
- Powers of Attorney
- Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Representation Agreements
If you require one of these documents, we would be pleased to prepare it for you during an estate planning appointment.
Frequently Requested Documents
Certified True Copy
We can certify that a copy of an original document is a true copy where permitted by law.
Letters of Invitation
If you have prepared your own invitation letter, we may be able to notarize your signature. If you require assistance preparing the letter, we can discuss the nature of that service with you.
Travel Consent Letters
Parents or guardians who are not travelling with a child may require a Travel Consent Letter. Many countries recommend or require this document when minors travel internationally.
ICBC Statutory Declarations
We regularly assist clients with ICBC statutory declarations and other insurance-related documents.
Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
We administer oaths and affirmations for affidavits and statutory declarations used by government agencies, courts, employers, educational institutions, and other organizations.
We administer oaths and affirmations for affidavits and statutory declarations used by government agencies, courts, employers, educational institutions, and other organizations.
When We May Not Be Able to Notarize a Document
There are circumstances in which we may decline to notarize a document.
Examples include:
- insufficient identification
- incomplete documentation
- uncertainty regarding identity
- concerns about capacity
- concerns that the person is signing under pressure
- documents requiring legal advice beyond the scope of notarization
If we cannot proceed, we will explain the reason whenever possible.
During your appointment, we will:
- verify your identity
- review the document
- answer procedural questions
- witness your signature (where required)
- apply the appropriate notarial certificate and seal
Many appointments are completed within 15 to 30 minutes.
Book a Notarization Appointment
Whether you require a single document notarized or several documents certified, we are pleased to assist clients throughout Vancouver and British Columbia.