Before booking, it's important to check exactly what the organization requesting your document actually requires.
What is a sworn document?
A document is commonly described as "sworn" or "commissioned" when a person declares under oath, before someone authorized to receive it, that the information or facts in their statement are true.
The oath gives that declaration a solemn character.
It does not, however, mean the commissioner personally verified every fact declared.
The sworn statement
A sworn statement (or statutory declaration under oath) is one of the most common cases.
It may be used when a person must officially declare certain facts as part of:
- an administrative process;
- a court file;
- an application to an organization;
- a form requiring a sworn statement.
Some forms include a dedicated space for both the declarant's and the commissioner's signatures.
The solemn affirmation
A solemn affirmation also allows a person to formally state that certain information is accurate.
This type of declaration appears in various administrative processes.
It's important to complete the correct form and follow the instructions of the receiving organization.
Small claims court documents
The Government of Québec gives, as an example, a solemn declaration that may accompany a file submitted to the Small Claims Division of the Court of Québec.
This doesn't mean every small-claims-related document automatically requires an oath.
Always check the instructions that apply specifically to your case.
Administrative forms
Certain ministries, public bodies, educational institutions, employers, or other organizations may require a declaration to be made under oath.
The document usually specifies:
- who must sign;
- what must be declared;
- whether a Commissioner for Oaths can receive the oath;
- any other specific requirements.
Can a copy of a document be sworn?
You need to distinguish a sworn copy from a certified true copy.
A Commissioner for Oaths generally does not have the power, simply by virtue of that role, to certify that a copy is officially conforming to the original.
In some situations, a person may instead declare under oath, before a commissioner, that the copy they are presenting matches the original.
The receiving organization must accept this method.
The Government of Québec recommends checking with the organization that issued the document whenever a true certified copy is actually required.
What about diplomas and ID documents?
If an organization asks for a certified copy of a diploma, passport, certificate, or other official document, a simple oath does not necessarily replace the certification process being requested.
Before booking, check the exact wording used:
- sworn / commissioned;
- sworn statement;
- sworn copy;
- certified true copy;
- authenticated;
- notarized;
- apostilled.
These terms are not interchangeable.
Documents intended for use outside Québec
One particularly important point concerns where the document will be used — not to be confused with where the commissioner is authorized to act.
Depending on the scope of their commission, a commissioner may administer oaths in Québec only, or both in and outside Québec. That territorial scope does not, however, change the reach of their mandate, which covers oaths for proceedings or documents intended for use in Québec.
If your document needs to be used outside Québec, abroad, or requires an apostille, check directly with the receiving authority — or the relevant competent authority — whether an oath from a Québec commissioner meets that requirement before booking.
How do you know if your document can be sworn?
The best source is generally the organization requesting the document.
Before your appointment, check:
- whether a sworn statement is actually required;
- whether a Commissioner for Oaths is authorized to receive it;
- whether the document is meant to be used in Québec;
- whether any specific signing instructions apply;
- whether you need to provide additional documents.
Assermentation Express
Assermentation Express offers a private remote oath-commissioning appointment service in Québec.
The service does not replace a lawyer or a notary and does not provide legal advice on whether a document choice is appropriate.
When your document genuinely requires an oath that a commissioner can receive, you can book a session online and submit your PDF beforehand.