Identification requirements depend on the document and the notarial or commissioning act being requested.
The starting point
Bring current, original government-issued identification and the complete document. If an organization has provided specific identification instructions, bring those instructions as well. Some transactions may require more than one piece of identification.
What to be careful about
The notary or commissioner must be satisfied about the identity of the person signing or swearing the document. A photocopy, expired document or photograph of identification may not satisfy the requirements for a particular service.
How a lawyer can assess the issue
Do not alter the document or remove pages before the appointment. If signatures must be witnessed, avoid signing in advance unless the notary or receiving organization has specifically instructed you to do so.
Current Ontario context
Tell the firm where the document will be used. Foreign-use documents can involve additional authentication or destination-country requirements beyond ordinary notarization.
Before a consultation
Bring the documents that control the issue and a short chronology of important dates. Avoid sending original documents or unnecessary sensitive information through a general website form.