Do you have an Oath to make, something to be commissioned? We can help. Yes, BCL graduates in Canada can act as both a Commissioner of Oaths and a Notary Public, as law graduates are often automatically designated as Commissioners and can apply for Notary status through their provincial law society. While both roles administer oaths, a Notary Public can also certify true copies of documents and authenticate signatures for use outside the province, whereas a Commissioner's powers are generally limited to the province.

 Yes, BCL graduates in Canada can act as both a Commissioner of Oaths and a Notary Public, as law graduates are often automatically designated as Commissioners and can apply for Notary status through their provincial law society. While both roles administer oaths, a Notary Public can also certify true copies of documents and authenticate signatures for use outside the province, whereas a Commissioner's powers are generally limited to the province. 

Commissioner of Oaths

• Role: Individuals, including law graduates, can administer oaths, affirmations, and declarations for documents to be used within the province.
• Status: In many provinces, being a lawyer or student-at-law grants you the status of a Commissioner for Oaths by virtue of your office, meaning you do not need to apply or pay an appointment fee. 

Notary Public

• Role: A Notary Public has the powers of a Commissioner of Oaths but can also:
  • Witness signatures and confirm identity.
  • Certify that a document is a "true copy of the original".
  • Authenticate documents for use in other provinces and internationally.
• Status: Law graduates can apply to become a Notary Public through their provincial law society, and this process may vary by province.