About Notaries

The tradition of trust goes back over 2,000 years. Notaries laid down the Codex Hammurabi, the oldest evidence of documented law. Throughout centuries of upheaval, the Notary’s reputation for trustworthiness ensured that documents remained reliable.

A Notary Public may create, sign and authenticate a wide range of documentation. BC Notaries are unique in North America, providing non-contentious legal services to the general public. It’s an old profession. Notaries Public were the principal agents, scriveners, and scribes for commercial and judicial law. Notaries in British Columbia are legal professionals providing an alternative to lawyers, practicing within clearly delineated areas of law.

BC Notaries are governed by the Notaries Act and by the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia. Members of the Society have an obligation (upheld by the courts) to provide services that are at least equal in quality to those provided by lawyers. As with lawyers, the professional work of a Notary is covered by an insurance plan that protects the public.

Training for a B.C. Notary Public career requires a bachelor degree and a Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies (offered only at Simon Fraser University). The candidate writes a set of comprehensive statutory examinations. Notaries Public are commissioned for life by the B.C. Supreme Court.

The Notary’s professional work is covered by a comprehensive insurance plan which protects the notary clients. BC Notaries do not get involved in litigation or argue cases before a judge.

BC notaries’ activities are restricted to non-contentious matters – those where the parties involved are in agreement.

BC Notaries’ area of practice may include:

• Real Estate Transfers

• Mortgage Refinancing & Discharges

• Manufactured Home Transfers

• Wills Preparation

• Powers of Attorney

• Representation Agreements

• Statutory Declarations

• Unaccompanied Child Travel Letters

• and other notarial services