For documents that require notarization, applicants must submit notarized documents that are digitally signed using cryptographic technology and verifiable through a recognized Canadian or equivalent notarial platform. Notarizations must include the notary’s name, jurisdiction, signature, seal, and date. The notarization must be independently verifiable. Documents that are image-edited, unsigned, or unverifiable will not be accepted.
If you are unsure whether a document requires notarization, please refer to the application instructions for that specific document.
Definition of an electronically notarized document
An electronically notarized document is an electronic document that has been signed and sealed by a notary public using cryptographic technology. It serves the same legal purpose as a physically notarized document by verifying the signer’s authenticity and/or the document’s content.
Key features include:
- Digital signature using the notary’s secure certificate
- Embedded metadata verifying identity, date, and location
- Electronic seal, stamp, or QR code
- Certificate of authority or audit trail (optional)
Acceptable platforms and services
CAMLPR accepts documents notarized through secure, auditable platforms compliant with Canadian laws. These platforms must provide:
- Identity verification
- Tamper-evident technology
- Time-stamping
- Secure document transmission
Required information in electronically notarized documents
Documents must include:
- Applicant’s full legal name
- Certification statement (for example, “I certify this is a true copy…”)
- Notary’s digital signature
- Notary seal or stamp containing:
- Notary’s name
- Jurisdiction and license/registration number
- Notarization date
- Commission expiry date (if applicable)
- PDF certification indicating signature validity
- Certificate of notarization or audit log (optional)
Authentication and verification
CAMLPR verifies notarized documents through:
- PDF metadata and certificate validation
- Official notarial registries (provincial and territorial )
- QR codes or verification URLs from the notary platform
CAMLPR will reject documents that:
- Lack a verifiable digital signature
- Use a self-signed certificate
- Do not identify the notary
- Contain image-only seals or show evidence of tampering
Notary location requirements
Notarizations must be conducted by a notary public commissioned in Canada. Exceptions for notaries in comparable jurisdictions (for example, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia) may be considered if:
- The notary can be independently verified
- The process meets Canadian evidentiary standards
- The applicant resides outside Canada and provides context
The applicant is responsible for demonstrating validity.