Key Responsibilities of a Notary Public:

• Identity Verification: Confirming the identity of individuals signing documents through government-issued photo identification.
• Ensuring Understanding: Verifying that signers comprehend the nature of the document and are signing willingly, without coercion.
• Document Authentication: Officially witnessing signatures and authenticating documents by applying their signature and seal.

A notary public appointed in Saskatchewan may exercise their authority only in Saskatchewan.

– Guidelines for Notary Publics in Saskatchewan

1. Identity Verification

Notarization provides concrete evidence that the person signing a document is who they claim to be, helping prevent identity fraud and unauthorized signatures.

2. Assessing Capacity

Notaries assess whether signers understand the document’s content and are signing voluntarily, which is particularly important for legal documents like powers of attorney or wills.

3. Document Authentication

The notary’s signature and seal enhance a document’s authenticity, particularly when it needs to be presented in different jurisdictions or used internationally.

Common Documents Requiring Notarization:

• Statutory Declarations
• Affidavits
• Powers of Attorney
• Real Estate Documents
• Wills and Estates
• Travel Consent Letters
• Immigration Documents

Important Notice:

Please note that notary services may not be available at every Harvard Western Insurance office location. We recommend calling ahead to verify availability and schedule an appointment.

*Harvard Western Insurance reserves the right to charge a fee for notary services.

1. Verify License Requirements

Confirm that the office has someone with the appropriate license for your document needs (commissioner of oaths, notary public, etc.). Different documents may require different levels of authorization.

2. Prepare Your Document

Ensure your document is complete, accurate, and error-free before your appointment. Pay particular attention to the spelling of names and other critical details. For true copy certifications, bring the original document for verification.

3. Leave Signatures Until the Appointment

If your document requires the notary to witness a signature, do not sign it before your appointment. The notary must witness the actual signing of the document.

4. Bring Valid Identification

All signers must bring government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.). Digital copies or photos of ID will not be accepted.

During Your Appointment:

• Identity Verification: The notary will carefully examine your identification documents to verify your identity.
• Document Review: The notary will review your document to ensure it’s complete and doesn’t contain any blank spaces that could be filled in later.
• Signing Process: You’ll sign the document in the presence of the notary, who will then add their signature, official seal, and date.
• Payment: Be prepared to pay any applicable fees for the notary service.

Helpful Tip:

Communicate clearly with the notary about your specific requirements. For example, if you need certified copies, specify how many copies you need and whether they need to be in colour. Clear communication ensures your notarization meets all your needs.