Oaths and Affidavits

The City of Belleville provides commissioner of oaths services for the signing of affidavits, statutory declarations and other documents that require a sworn or affirmed statement.

A commissioner of oaths verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. They do not provide legal advice or certify documents as true copies.

Where to get Documents Commissioned

You can have documents commissioned at City Hall (169 Front St.) within the City Clerk’s Office on the first floor.

Staff authorized as commissioners of oaths can witness signatures during regular business hours.

What to Bring

To have a document commissioned, you must:

• Bring the unsigned document (it must be signed in front of the commissioner)
• Provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as:
  
  • Ontario driver’s licence
  • Passport
  • Ontario health card
  • Canadian citizenship card

What Can be Commissioned

The City may commission documents that are sworn or affirmed statements, including:

• City of Belleville generated documents
• Domestic and foreign pension documents (also known as “proof of life”)
• Delayed statement of live birth
• Adult name change documents
• Vehicle transfer of ownership to a family member
• Statutory declaration for OSAP (statement of common-law status/supporting children)
• Amendment forms for birth, death or marriage certificates
• Affidavit of proof of loss of motor vehicle or boat (from an insurance company)
• Affidavit of proof of residency
• Travel Industry Council of Ontario affidavit of customer claimant

Documents must meet legal requirements and be signed in the presence of the commissioner.

What Cannot be Commissioned

The City cannot commission the following documents:

• Wills, living wills, codicils to wills or estate settlement documents
• Power of attorney documents
• Divorce, separation, marriage or cohabitation documents
• Custody documents
• Documents related to debt
• Real estate documents
• Court, legal or civil issue-related documents
• Declaration of claimant and indemnity
• Statutory declaration of progress payment distribution (holdback security deposits)
• Statement of arrears
• Declaration of a translator
• Age of majority or BYID card application
• Documents requiring the signature of a notary public (Canadian or foreign)

If you are unsure, contact the City Clerk’s Office before your visit.

Fees

A fee of $30 per document applies for commissioning services.

Important Information

• You must sign the document in front of the commissioner.
• The commissioner may refuse to commission a document at their discretion.
• Commissioners do not provide legal advice or prepare documents.
• Some documents may require a notary public instead of a commissioner of oaths.