Notarizing Business Licenses and Permits

Licenses and permits are the foundation of a legitimate business. They prove that your operations are registered and authorized by the proper authorities. A common question business owners ask is: Do these documents ever need to be notarized?

The truth is that in Ontario, notarization is not required for most everyday licenses and permits. However, there are specific situations where having a notarized copy or signature may be requested. Understanding when this applies can help you avoid delays and present your documents with confidence.

When Might a Business License or Permit Need Notarization?

While it isn’t part of the standard process in Ontario, notarization may come into play if:

• You are using your documents outside Ontario or Canada
  Some foreign governments and institutions require notarized or certified true copies of licenses when you’re opening a branch abroad or applying for recognition of your Canadian business.
• A bank or lender requests verification
  Certain financial institutions may ask for notarized copies of licenses as part of loan or grant applications, particularly for small businesses.
• Court or regulatory processes require it
  In some legal disputes, notarized licenses or permits may be submitted as verified evidence.
• Grant or funding bodies add extra requirements
  Organizations issuing grants or subsidies may require notarized copies to confirm your business is registered.

Here’s How It Works

Let’s say you run a catering company in Whitby and apply for government funding to expand your services. The funding body may ask for a notarized copy of your business license to ensure the document is authentic. In this case, an Ontario notary can certify the copy as a true representation of the original.

How the Notarization Process Works

The process is straightforward:

1. You bring your original license or permit along with a copy.
2. You show valid government-issued ID.
3. The notary verifies your identity and the document.
4. The notary either provides a certified true copy or witnesses your signature, depending on what’s required.

📌 Note: Ontario does not permit these documents to be completed using remote online notarization (RON). At this time, notarization must be done in person. Always check if the receiving authority accepts certified true copies or if additional steps, such as authentication and legalization (apostille equivalent), are required for international use.

Why Notarization Matters in Special Cases

Notarization doesn’t change the validity of your license or permit itself that authority comes from the issuing body. Instead, notarization provides assurance that the document is authentic, the signer is verified, and the copy is trustworthy. For banks, government offices, and international partners, this extra layer of verification can speed up approvals and reduce disputes.

How Notable Notary Can Help

At Notable Notary, we assist business owners with notarizing and certifying documents needed for funding, banking, or cross-border purposes.

We offer:

• General Notary Services for verifying business paperwork
• Mobile Notary Appointments in Ajax, Pickering, and Whitby for your convenience
• Apostille & Legalization Services for documents that must be used outside Canada

Not every business license in Ontario needs to be notarized. But when lenders, regulators, or international offices request it, working with an Ontario notary ensures your documents are recognized and trusted.

Ready to notarize your business documents? Book with Notable Notary today!

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

We’ll make sure your paperwork is clear, credible, and ready for wherever your business takes you.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Notarization requirements may vary depending on the institution, government office, or country where your documents will be used. Always confirm with the receiving authority to ensure you meet their specific requirements.