Here are the key distinctions.
What is an oath commissioning?
In an oath commissioning, a person makes a declaration under oath before someone authorized to receive it.
The declarant solemnly affirms that their statement is true.
The commissioner receives that oath.
Their involvement doesn't mean they conducted an independent investigation to verify every detail.
What is a certified true copy?
A certified true copy establishes that a copy faithfully reproduces an original document, following the procedure recognized by the organization concerned.
The Government of Québec specifies that a Commissioner for Oaths does not generally have the function of certifying documents or attesting that a copy conforms to the original.
In some cases, a person may instead declare under oath that the copy they present matches their original document.
This is not the same as an independent certification of the copy by the commissioner.
Are a sworn copy and a certified copy the same thing?
No.
Some organizations accept a copy accompanied by a sworn statement from the document holder.
Others specifically require a copy certified by the issuing organization or another authorized person.
You need to follow the receiving party's instructions.
Never assume that a "sworn copy" automatically satisfies a "certified true copy" requirement.
What is notarization?
A notary is a legal professional whose functions are much broader than those of a person acting only as a Commissioner for Oaths.
Certain documents or transactions may specifically require a notary's involvement.
An oath before a commissioner does not automatically satisfy a notarization requirement.
If your document specifically states it must be notarized, check the requirements before booking a simple oath session.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a separate procedure used for certain documents intended to be used abroad.
The rules surrounding an apostille should not be confused with those of an ordinary sworn statement, and are not covered in detail in this article.
If your document needs to be apostilled, check the applicable official procedure with the relevant authority before booking an oath session.
How do you determine the right service?
Ask yourself four questions.
1. What exact wording is used?
For example:
- sworn statement;
- before a Commissioner for Oaths;
- certified true copy;
- notarization;
- authentication;
- apostille.
2. Which organization will receive the document?
Requirements can vary depending on the recipient.
3. Where will the document be used?
A document intended for use in Québec isn't necessarily handled the same way as one meant for use in another country.
4. Who is the organization authorizing to act?
If its instructions specify "Commissioner for Oaths," the process is fairly clear.
If they mention a notary, a specific authority, or the issuing organization itself, follow that requirement instead.
Why check before you book?
A properly administered oath can't fix the fact that you chose the wrong type of procedure.
The best practice is to confirm the requirements before the appointment.
This saves you time and helps you avoid submitting a document that doesn't match what the organization asked for. Our article on the commissioner's role covers these limits in more detail.
Assermentation Express
Assermentation Express provides a private booking and remote oath-commissioning service whenever a declaration can be received by a Commissioner for Oaths.
Assermentation Express is not a government website and does not replace a lawyer's or notary's services when they are required.