What does a Notary Public Do and Why is it Important?

The services of a notary public are frequently required in a variety of legal and financial transactions, including real estate deals, business agreements, wills, and powers of attorney, to name a few. Despite their prevalence, many individuals remain unfamiliar with the exact responsibilities and significance of a notary in British Columbia. From confirming identities to witnessing signatures, notaries play a crucial part in ensuring the credibility and validity of a wide array of legal and formal processes. This blog aims to shed light on the vital role of notaries in safeguarding the integrity of important documents and transactions

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary in British Columbia serves as an impartial witness in legal and financial transactions, ensuring the authenticity of signatures, administering oaths, and confirming identities. They play a pivotal role in preventing fraud, safeguarding the integrity of documents, and enhancing legal validity. It is a public officer appointed by the state to serve as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. 

What does a Notary do in Canada?

The primary duties of public notaries include the verification of identities, witnessing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, and certifying copies of various documents. Anything related to real estate, travel, wills and estate planning often requires a notary public to notarize the documents to complete the process. You cannot get hold of a property and call it your home if the notary hasn’t signed. So, if you are buying or selling your home in Langley or nearby areas, contact us for all your real estate notary services and experience seamless execution of the entire process without any hidden cost. Our role is pivotal in preventing fraud and ensuring the validity and authenticity of a wide range of legal documents and transactions.

Understanding The Notary Public Duties in Canada

1. Confirming Identities and Signatures

One of the primary tasks of a notary is to confirm the identities of the individuals/signers involved in a particular transaction. By carefully verifying the identities of the signatories, a notary ensures that the document is not being signed under pretenses or fraudulent circumstances. Additionally, notaries are responsible for witnessing the signing of documents to certify that the signature is genuine and not forged.

2. Preventing Fraud and Misrepresentation

Notaries act as a crucial line of defense against fraudulent activities. Their involvement significantly reduces the risk of forged or falsified documents, which could have far-reaching legal consequences. Through their meticulous verification processes, notaries help maintain the integrity of legal documents and prevent fraudulent practices that could potentially harm individuals and organizations.

3. Certifying Copies and Administering Oaths

Apart from verifying signatures, notaries also certify copies of various documents, including passports, diplomas, and other important records. This certification ensures the authenticity of the copies and allows them to be used as legally valid substitutes for the original documents. Moreover, notaries are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, making them essential in the process of legally binding affirmations and promises.

What Documents does a Notary Notarize?

Here’s a quick rundown of documents that are notarized by a Notary:

• Statutory Declaration
• Travel Authorization or Consent Letter for minors traveling abroad
• Power of Attorney
• Affidavits
• B.C. Wills
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) documents
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) documents
• Documents related to real estate 
• And Various other documents

Also Read: Common FAQS related to Notaries

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Why are Notaries and Notarizations Necessary?

Notaries and notarizations play a crucial role in upholding the integrity and validity of legal documents. They provide an added layer of assurance, making documents more credible and acceptable in legal proceedings and business transactions. Their presence is vital in preventing fraudulent activities and safeguarding the rights and interests of the parties involved in various legal agreements.

Importance of Notary in British Columbia

• Legal Validity and Acceptance

The involvement of a notary adds an extra layer of credibility to legal documents, making them more readily accepted by courts, government agencies, and other relevant authorities. Notarized documents carry a higher level of authenticity and are often considered more reliable evidence in legal proceedings, thereby enhancing their legal validity and admissibility.

• Protection of Parties Involved

By ensuring that all parties have willingly and knowingly entered into a legal agreement, notaries protect the interests of all individuals involved in a transaction. This protection is especially crucial in cases where one party may try to exploit or manipulate another through fraudulent or deceptive practices.

• Global Recognition and Acceptance

Notarization adds a level of international recognition to documents, making them acceptable in various countries across the globe. This international acceptance is particularly beneficial for businesses and individuals involved in international transactions, as it helps streamline cross-border operations and ensures the validity of documents in different jurisdictions.

Read Also: Why Hiring a Notary Public is Crucial for Legal Documentations ?

What do You need to Identify Yourself as a Signer in front of a Notary Public?

Notaries employ various methods to identify signers, including examining government-issued identification documents such as driver's licenses, passports, or other forms of identification. Additionally, they may use personal knowledge or credible identifying witnesses to confirm the identity of you as a signer, ensuring that the individual signing the document is indeed who they claim to be.

What a Notary is not in Canada?

In Canada, it's crucial to understand what a Notary is not. Notaries in Canada are not the same as lawyers, and they cannot provide legal advice or services beyond their designated notarial functions. It's important to consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance and expertise beyond the scope of notarial duties.

Also, in Canada not all notaries have the same role; it varies from one province to another. That said, notaries in British Columbia tend to have a wider scope of notary services like real estate and conveyancing which might not be the case for notaries in other provinces. 

Do you want a Document to be Notarized in Langley? - Call CH Notary

As the leading Notary Public in Langley, Surrey and nearby areas, CH Notary has been known for a seamless and hassle-free process when it comes to offering notary services and notarizing documents. With our reliable and efficient notarial services, we ensure that your important documents are properly authenticated and verified. Whether it's for real estate transactions, wills, or any other legal paperwork, our experienced team in Langley is here to assist you. Call us today for a seamless notarization process you can trust.