Preparing For 2026: Year-End Tips From A Notary

As we get closer to 2026, now is the perfect time for Ontario residents to review personal, business, and legal documents to ensure everything is current and ready for the new year. A little preparation now can save you stress later, especially for documents that may require notarization.

This guide walks you through simple, practical year-end steps to help you stay organized and legally protected.

1. Review Your Identification Documents

Many notarized documents require valid government-issued ID. Before the year ends, take a moment to check:

• Passport expiry
• Driver’s licence renewal date
• Ontario Photo Card expiry
• Name or address changes that haven’t been updated

2. Update Your Personal Legal Documents

Life changes quickly. Year-end is a natural time to review paperwork that reflects your wishes and responsibilities.

Check these documents for accuracy:

• Power of Attorney for Personal Care
• Power of Attorney for Property
• Wills (even small changes matter)
• Child travel consent forms
• Affidavits previously completed
  

If updates are needed, you may require a new notarization. Notable Notary can help you prepare or notarize these documents through mobile notary services or remote online notarization if eligible.

3. Prepare for Cross-Border or International Paperwork

Planning to travel, study, or work abroad in 2026? You may need documents authenticated or apostilled. To proceed with this, Ontario residents often need:

• Notarized copies of diplomas
• Employment verification letters
• Birth or marriage certificates
• Criminal record checks

If these documents need to be authenticated, Notable Notary’s apostille and authentication services can guide you through the process.

4. Organize Business Documents (For Entrepreneurs & Corporations)

If you run a business in Ontario, especially a family-owned or small business, year-end is a crucial time to tidy up your records.

Make sure you have:

• Updated corporate resolutions
• Annual meeting minutes
• Shareholder agreements
• Updated contracts or amendments
• CRA-required year-end documentation

Notable Notary frequently notarizes corporate affidavits, statutory declarations, and certified true copies for Ontario business owners.

5. Gather Documents You’ll Need Early in the New Year

Getting a head start can prevent delays in January when offices are busier.

Here’s what to gather:

• Proof of income for school or immigration applications
• Bank statements or letters that might require certification
• Landlord or employer letters
• Updated employment or income forms

Bring everything together in a folder digital or physical so you can quickly access it when needed.

6. Make Certified True Copies of Important Documents

Some institutions in Ontario require a “certified true copy” rather than an original. This is common for:

• Educational applications
• Licensing or designation renewals
• Immigration processing
• Job applications
• Government submissions

7. Check Travel Requirements for Early 2026 Trips

If you’re planning early-year travel especially with children check whether you need:

• Notarized travel consent letters
• Certified passport copies
• Notarized itineraries or guardianship letters

These are often requested by border agents, especially for minors travelling with one parent.

Ready for 2026? We Can Help.

If you need documents notarized in person, mobile, or online Notable Notary is here to make the process simple and stress-free.

📞 Call Us: (289) 312-6678

🌐 Book Online: notablenotary.ca 

📧 Email: info@notablenotary.ca 

Let’s get your paperwork ready for a smooth and organized start to 2026!