ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
1
Before You Go — Affidavit Notarization/Commissioning Checklist
2
Last updated: 2025-10-01 • Filters enabled • Use the dropdowns in columns C–G
3
4
#TaskApplies toModeRequired?What to doStatusOwnerDue dateNotes
5
1Government-issued photo ID readyBothEitherRequiredBring original ID (not a photocopy). Name should reasonably identify you; bring supporting proof if names differ.Not started
6
2Name-change or alternate-name evidence availableBothEitherOptional (if applicable)Bring marriage certificate, court order, or other proof if affidavit name differs from ID.Not started
7
3Second ID (if required by provider)USIn-personOptional (check policy)Some notaries request two IDs. Check ahead to avoid delays.Not started
8
4Unsigned affidavit readyBothEitherRequiredDo not sign before the session. Bring clean final copy.Not started
9
5Exhibits labeled and attached (Exhibit A, B, ...)BothEitherRequired (if exhibits)Label each exhibit. Insert separators or cover pages and refer to them in the affidavit text.Not started
10
6Court/agency template and caption complete (if filing)BothEitherRequired (if filing)Ensure court name, file number, party names, and jurisdiction fields are correct.Not started
11
7Remote wording included where requiredBothRemoteOptional (if required)Some rules require a statement that the oath/affirmation was administered remotely.Not started
12
8Find authorized official (notary/commissioner)BothEitherRequiredConfirm credentials and what ID is accepted. For Canada, confirm notary vs commissioner and services provided.Not started
13
9Confirm feesBothEitherRequiredAsk about fee per signature, per exhibit, remote session fees, and any travel charges.Not started
14
10Payment method arrangedBothEitherRequiredSome providers accept only debit/credit; some accept cash. Confirm in advance.Not started
15
11Appointment scheduled with timezone notedBothEitherRequiredRecord date/time and timezone. Allow buffer time for ID checks and document review.Not started
16
12Tech check for remote sessionBothRemoteRequired (if remote)Test camera, mic, internet, and platform; prepare a well-lit quiet space.Not started
17
13Arrange additional witnesses (if needed)BothEitherOptional (if required)Some documents need extra witnesses. Ask the provider if they can supply them.Not started
18
14Interpreter arranged (if needed)BothEitherOptional (if needed)Interpreter should be impartial and may need to sign a declaration.Not started
19
15Sign/initial only in front of the officialBothEitherRequiredBring all pages. Use blue or black ink if in person; follow instructions for e-signing if remote.Not started
20
16Print single-sided pages (if required locally)BothIn-personOptional (check rule)Some courts prefer single-sided paper for filing or scanning clarity.Not started
21
17Certificate/jurat completed by officialBothEitherRequiredCheck date, city/province or state/county, title (notary/commissioner), seal, and commission details.Not started
22
18Certified copies requested (if needed)BothEitherOptionalAsk about fees and turnaround if certified copies are required.Not started
23
19E-filing account set up / paper copies preparedBothEitherRequired (if filing)Confirm whether the court/agency requires e-filing (PDF) or paper and the number of copies.Not started
24
20PDF naming and format confirmedBothEitherRequired (if e-filing)Follow size, naming, and bookmarking rules, if any. Combine exhibits as instructed.Not started
25
21Service method chosen and allowedBothEitherRequired (if service needed)Personal delivery, mail, courier, or electronic service where rules allow.Not started
26
22Proof of service preparedBothEitherRequired (if service needed)Use the court’s affidavit/certificate of service form and file it on time.Not started
27
23Keep ink-signed original secureBothEitherRequiredStore safely; some courts may request to see the original.Not started
28
24Calendar filing and service deadlinesBothEitherRequiredEnter due dates and reminders; include time zone for e-filing cutoffs.Not started
29
25Save receipts and confirmation numbersBothEitherRequiredKeep payment receipts, RON audit trail info, and e-filing confirmations.Not started
30
26US: Consider unsworn declaration where permittedUSEitherOptional (if permitted)For federal and some state filings, 28 U.S.C. § 1746/analogues may allow a declaration without notarization.Not started
31
27Canada: Confirm if a statutory declaration is requestedCanadaEitherOptional (if requested)Agencies often ask for a statutory declaration instead of an affidavit—use the correct form.Not started
32
28Canada (BC/QC): Notary scope differences notedCanadaEitherOptional (context)BC and Québec notaries offer broader non-contentious legal services than in other provinces.Not started
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100