If you run a corporation in Ontario, there may come a time when someone needs formal proof that they’re allowed to act on behalf of the business. That’s where corporate resolutions and letters of authorization come in and in some cases, notarization is required.

As an Ontario notary business, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Do these documents actually need to be notarized?”

The answer depends on how and where the document will be used. 

What Are Corporate Resolutions and Letters of Authorization?

Corporate Resolutions 

A corporate resolution is a written decision made by a company’s directors or shareholders. It confirms that the company has approved a specific action.

Common examples include:

• Opening or changing a business bank account
• Authorizing someone to sign contracts
• Approving large purchases or loans
• Appointing officers or directors

Think of it as the company saying, “Yes, we officially agreed to this.”

Letters of Authorization

A letter of authorization gives a specific person permission to act for the business. This might include:

• Signing documents on the company’s behalf
• Dealing with banks or government agencies
• Representing the company in a transaction

These letters are often used by small businesses and corporations that want flexibility without issuing a full corporate resolution.

When Is Notarization Required in Ontario?

Not every corporate resolution or authorization letter needs notarization. However, notarization is commonly required when a third party needs extra assurance that the document is legitimate. Here are the most common situations where Canadian notarization is requested:

1. Banks and Financial Institutions

Many banks require notarized corporate resolutions before they will:

• Open corporate accounts
• Approve loans or credit facilities
• Allow signing authority changes

Notarization helps the bank trust that the document wasn’t altered or signed improperly.

2. Government or Regulatory Agencies

Certain federal, provincial, or municipal offices may request notarized documents, especially when:

• Filing documents outside Ontario
• Submitting compliance or regulatory paperwork

3. Use Outside Ontario or Canada

If your corporate resolution or authorization letter will be used:

• In another province
• In another country

Notarization is often the first step, followed by apostille or authentication services if required.

4. Legal or Contractual Situations

Some contracts or legal processes require notarized authorization to avoid disputes about who had signing authority.

Why Notarization Matters for Businesses

Notarization isn’t about adding unnecessary steps. It helps:

• Protect your business from fraud
• Reduce disputes over signing authority
• Ensure documents are accepted the first time
• Support smoother banking, legal, and international transactions

For many organizations, a notarized document is simply non-negotiable.

How Notable Notary Can Help

At Notable Notary, we work with Ontario businesses every day to notarize corporate documents quickly and accurately. We assist with:

• Corporate resolutions
• Letters of authorization
• Certified true copies
• Mobile notary appointment
• Remote online notarization
• Apostille and international document services

Our goal is to make notarization simple, clear, and stress-free for business owners.

Ready to Book?

If you need help notarizing corporate resolutions or authorization letters, we’re here to help.

📞 Call: (289) 312-6678
💻 Book Online: https://notablenotary.ca/book-now
📧 Email: info@notablenotary.ca

Let Notable Notary handle the paperwork, so you can stay focused on running your business.