1. Check what the organization actually requires
First, re-read the instructions that came with your document.
Look for phrases like:
- "sworn statement";
- "solemn declaration" / "solemn affirmation";
- "before a Commissioner for Oaths";
- "affidavit";
- "signed before a person authorized to receive the oath."
If the organization actually requires a certified true copy, notarization, authentication, or an apostille, an oath may not meet the need.
When in doubt, confirm directly with the receiving organization.
2. Read your document before the session
The Government of Québec recommends that the declarant read their document and confirm its accuracy before the oath is administered.
Don't discover the content at the moment you're about to swear to it.
You need to be able to understand the declaration you're about to make.
3. Don't sign early when the form requires signing in the commissioner's presence
Some documents must be signed as part of the oath process.
The Government of Québec specifies that, in person, if a signature was already applied before the meeting, the document must be signed again in front of the commissioner.
For a remote appointment, follow the instructions provided for your document and the signing method used.
If in doubt, wait until the session before applying your final signature.
4. Prepare a clear digital copy
For an online session, your document needs to be easy to read on screen.
A clear PDF is usually the most practical option.
Before sending it:
- make sure every page is included;
- check the page orientation;
- make sure the text is legible;
- avoid blurry photos;
- double-check you're sending the right document.
5. Prepare your device
A remote oath requires audiovisual communication.
Before your appointment, check:
- your camera;
- your microphone;
- your speakers or headphones;
- your Internet connection;
- access to your videoconference link.
The commissioner and the declarant must be able to see and hear each other simultaneously.
A simple phone call is not enough for a remote oath.
6. Set up in an appropriate space
Choose a location that is:
- quiet enough;
- well lit;
- on a stable Internet connection;
- private enough for a confidential conversation.
Documents can contain personal information, so confidentiality matters during the remote process.
7. Keep any necessary documents on hand
Depending on the process and document involved, certain information or pieces may be needed during the session.
Check the instructions you received beforehand and have them ready.
8. Be available at the scheduled time
An oath appointment happens in real time.
Connect at the time shown in your confirmation so you can complete the full procedure within the scheduled slot.
9. Follow the signing instructions
The Government of Québec allows an electronic signature to be used when the necessary conditions are met.
If you don't have an electronic signature option, depending on the applicable process, you may also sign the document by hand, scan it, and send it to the commissioner.
Assermentation Express will tell you which process applies to your session.
10. Keep your final document
Once the process is complete, keep the document that's returned to you in a safe place.
This is normally the version you need to submit to the receiving organization.
A few minutes of preparation can make a real difference
The oath itself can be quick. Problems usually happen when:
- the wrong document is sent;
- a page is missing;
- the client can't properly join the videoconference;
- the document actually requires a different process;
- the signing instructions weren't followed.
Preparing these details ahead of time makes for a much smoother session.
Booking with Assermentation Express
Assermentation Express is a private remote oath-commissioning service.
After booking, you can follow the steps to submit your document and join your videoconference appointment.