Loan agreements, guarantees and contracts signed before a notary
Every party signs in front of the notary at 1225 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, with photo ID checked. We witness and seal; the wording is settled before you arrive.
Which agreements need a witnessed signature, and why
Sources: Ontario e-Laws (Statute of Frauds, Limitations Act, 2002, Business Corporations Act), the federal Interest Act, Global Affairs Canada.
- DocumentThe rule behind itOur part
- Personal guaranteeStatute of Frauds, s. 4: a promise to answer for another person’s debt is enforceable only if written and signed by the guarantor.We identify the guarantor and witness that signature.
- Private loan or promissory noteInterest Act, s. 4: a monthly or weekly rate with no stated yearly equivalent caps recoverable interest at 5% a year (mortgages excepted).We witness the borrower and lender; fix the rate wording before the visit.
- Acknowledgment of a debtLimitations Act, 2002, s. 13: a written, signed acknowledgment restarts the two-year limitation period.We witness it, or commission it as a sworn statement.
- Directors’ resolutionBusiness Corporations Act, ss. 104 and 129: the signed original stays with the minutes.We certify a true copy for the bank against the minute book.
- Contract used abroadSince January 11, 2024, Canada issues apostilles for Hague Convention countries (Global Affairs Canada).We notarize first; the apostille follows.
A signing with a borrower, a lender and a guarantor
- Call with the number of signersTell us who signs and in what capacity, so one slot holds everyone at 416-951-3301.
- Arrive together, nothing signedEach person brings photo ID. A page already signed at home is signed again here.
- Each signature witnessed and sealedEvery signer gets the sealed pages back the same visit, plus certified copies if a bank wants them.
What two typical contract visits cost
We charge per notarized signature. The number of pages does not change the fee.
Family loan with a guarantor
| Borrower signs | $20 |
| Lender signs | $20 |
| Guarantor signs | $20 |
| Total | $60 |
Resolution for the bank
| Director one signs | $20 |
| Director two signs | $20 |
| Certified true copy | $20 |
| Total | $60 |
Paid by cash or e-Transfer. Email the file ahead and we print it free.
A client on being walked through each page
“Great experience! He was very helpful, kind, and professional throughout the whole process. Everything was quick and easy, and he took the time to make sure everything was done properly. Really appreciate the great service. Highly recommend!”
Before the contract appointment
- Final wording, printed or emailedWe cannot change terms at the desk. Settle the rate, dates and amounts first.
- Photo ID for each partyA passport or driver’s licence whose name matches the agreement.
- Every signer in the roomA guarantor who cannot come signs on a separate visit, at the same fee.
- The minute book for a companyA true copy is certified only against the original resolution.
- The bank’s or registry’s written requestIt tells us whether they want a witnessed signature, a sworn statement or a certified copy.
Contract signing questions
Is a contract invalid without a notary in Ontario?
No. Most agreements bind the parties once they sign. A notarized signature adds proof of who signed and when, which banks, foreign registries and guarantee holders often ask for.
Will you write or check the terms of my agreement?
No. A notary public under Ontario’s Notaries Act identifies signers, witnesses signatures and certifies copies. The terms must be final before the appointment.
Can a promissory note be signed online instead?
Section 31 of Ontario’s Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 excludes negotiable instruments, which include promissory notes. Sign the paper original in person.
Does a 20-page agreement cost more than a 2-page one?
No. The fee is $20 per notarized signature, whatever the page count.
Related signings
Open 7 days at 1225 Kennedy Rd, Suite 2000, Unit #2020. Call 416-951-3301 before a multi-party visit.
Fast & Reliable Notary Services
- 416-951-3301
- kershtein@gmail.com
- 1225 Kennedy Road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1P 4Y1, Suite 2000, Unit #2020
- Mon – Fri: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Sat – Sun: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm