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Regardless if your notary appointment is a routine administrative checkpoint or the final hurdle to one of life’s milestones, arriving without your original identification or documents can delay the process and may mean having to reschedule. Common documents requiring notarization—such as travel consent letters, statutory declarations, or real estate transfers—often come with strict deadlines, making preparation key.
At LC Notary, we want every appointment to be straightforward and stress-free. Understanding why original identification and supporting documents matter can help you arrive prepared and avoid unnecessary delays at our Langley office.
Why Does a Notary Public Need to Verify Your Identity?
A Notary Public serves as an impartial legal professional who helps verify identities, witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify certain documents.
Before proceeding, your Notary must be satisfied that you are who you claim to be, which helps:
- Prevent fraud and identity theft: Reduce the risk of someone signing documents under another person's identity.
- Protect your legal interests: Help ensure important documents are signed by the correct individual.
- Maintain document integrity: Support the reliability of notarized documents for organizations relying on them.
- Meet professional obligations: Fulfil applicable identity verification and due diligence requirements.
The Government of BC's Information and Instruction Guide for Commissioners for Taking Affidavits explains the importance of establishing a person's identity before administering an oath, affirmation, or statutory declaration. These safeguards are particularly important when dealing with affidavits, property transactions in Metro Vancouver, Powers of Attorney, and other legally significant documents.
What Identification Should You Bring to a Notary Appointment?
At LC Notary, clients are generally asked to bring two pieces of original identification. It is essential to understand the distinction between your Primary and Secondary ID requirements.
Examples of Acceptable Identification
Primary ID must be a government-issued document featuring your photo, signature, and full name. Examples include:
- Valid BC driver's licence
- Valid Canadian or foreign passport
- BC Identification Card (BCID)
- Other acceptable government-issued photo identification
Secondary ID provides supporting proof of identity and typically includes documents like:
- BC Services Card
- Birth certificate
- Signed credit card
- Other identification accepted for your particular transaction
Identification should be valid, legible, and consistent with the name appearing on your documents. Requirements can vary depending on the service; real estate transactions in the Fraser Valley, for example, may involve additional identity verification requirements.
Can You Use a Photo of Your ID on Your Phone?
No, a photograph, screenshot, or photocopy of your identification is not an adequate substitute for the original ID required at an in-person appointment. If you're unsure whether your identification is acceptable, contact LC Notary before your appointment.
Why Must You Bring the Original Documents for Notarization?
1. To Review the Document Being Notarized
Your Notary needs to understand what service is being requested and review the relevant document before proceeding. For example, when notarizing a statutory declaration, the Notary must ensure the appropriate declaration process is followed.
2. To Certify True Copies
If you need certified true copies of a passport, educational certificate, or another document, the Notary generally needs to compare the copy directly against the original. A photograph or previously scanned copy is typically insufficient because it does not allow the same physical examination of the source document.
3. To Check Supporting Information
Depending on your appointment, this may include:
- Supporting records referenced in an affidavit
- Instructions from a government agency or financial institution
- Relevant original certificates
- Additional paperwork relating to a property transaction
4. To Meet International Document Requirements
If your documents will be used outside Canada, additional requirements may apply. For example, certain documents may need notarization followed by authentication or an apostille certificate. The Government of BC provides specific guidance on preparing notarized documents for authentication, including which documents may qualify and how they must be prepared.
Should You Sign Your Documents Before Your Appointment?
No. Do not sign your documents before your appointment.
In most cases, you must leave documents unsigned until your Notary explicitly instructs you to sign them in their presence. For affidavits and statutory declarations, witnessing the signature forms a mandatory part of a formal process conducted before an authorized professional. Signing too early will typically require you to obtain and fill out replacement documents, wasting your valuable time. If you're uncertain, ask your Notary before putting pen to paper.
Your Notary Appointment Checklist
Before visiting LC Notary in Langley or Aldergrove, make sure you have checked off the following items:
- Two original pieces of ID (including at least one Primary government-issued photo ID)
- Original documents requiring notarization
- Any relevant supporting paperwork
- Instructions provided by the organization requesting notarization
- Unsigned documents (unless instructed otherwise by a professional)
- Confirmation of any additional requirements for your specific appointment
Make Your Notary Appointment Simple with LC Notary
Whether you're preparing a travel consent letter, obtaining certified true copies, or signing an affidavit, arriving prepared helps protect your interests and keeps the process moving smoothly.
Led by Lilian Cazacu, TEP, an award-winning Notary Public with extensive legal education and experience, LC Notary provides professional, personable notarization services to families and professionals throughout Langley, Aldergrove, Willoughby, and the greater Fraser Valley.
If you’re still unsure what to bring or have questions concerning your notary appointment requirements, contact us to confirm and book your appointment.
