If you are in Canada and need to notarize a document that is to be used in the United States, there are two options available to you. First, you could visit the U.S. embassy or consulate in Canada and have the document notarized there. Generally, the first available appointment is able to be scheduled in 2-4 weeks. Another option is to find an online notary public who is authorized to perform notarizations for U.S. documents online and has the ability to verify your identification. In most cases your documents can be notarized and delivered to you in minutes, and you can be anywhere in Canada that has a stable internet connection to complete the notarization.
US Embassy
Remote Online Notarization
Remote Ink Notarization
Cost
$50 per stamp/document
$150 for 45 minutes of unlimited notarial acts
$180 for 45 minutes of unlimited notarial acts
# of Stamps/Documents
1
Unlimited
Unlimited
1st Available Appointment
2-4 Weeks
Within Minutes
Within Minutes
Time Required to Notarize
The time it takes to travel to and from embassy + any wait times
45 Minutes or less
45 Minutes or less
Are Witnesses Included?
You must bring your own witnesses
Included
Included
Document Delivery
Instant
Instant
Instant with physical documents to be delivered
Notarize United States documents at the US Embassy in Canada
To notarize a document at the United States Embassy in Canada , it is important to schedule an appointment in advance. This is because most embassies operate on a strict schedule and may not have availability for walk-ins or last-minute requests. It is advisable to plan ahead and book an appointment to ensure that the notarization process goes smoothly. However, if the document that requires notarization is time-sensitive and waiting for an embassy appointment is not feasible, then it may be faster to opt for an online notarization or remote ink notarization service. These services allow for the notarization to be completed remotely and can be scheduled quickly to accommodate urgent requests.
Who Can Notarize United States Documents at the Embassy in Canada ?
U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries may use the Embassy’s notarial services.
What to Bring?
On the day of your appointment, please make sure to:
Appear in person and bring a valid government-issued photo ID (U.S. or foreign) with your signature (such as passport, driver’s license or ID card). The name on your identification must match your name on the document you need notarized;
If the service you need require a signature, you must bring the document(s) that need(s) your signature UNSIGNED. The document(s) will have to be signed before a Consular Officer. Even if there are pages that do not require signatures or seals, you must present the entire document(s);
Ensure that documents are organized in page order and kept separate from each other with a paper clip. The Embassy/Consulate staff cannot assemble your documents for you or provide legal advice on their preparation;
Ensure that you understand the content of your documents, where you need to sign and which of your signatures need to be notarized, as our staff will not be able to explain these items to you;
If you are signing on behalf of a corporation, bring appropriate documents showing your capacity to sign for the corporation;
Verify in advance if your document requires witness(es). The ACS Unit staff cannot serve as witnesses. If your document requires the signature(s) of witness(es), you must bring your own (along with their proof of identity) on the day of your appointment. Please make sure they are legally qualified to serve as a witness (i.e., not a minor or incompetent). They will not be able to offer partial services. All those whose signatures, including witness(es), will be notarized at a particular post, must appear on the same day;
The fee for the notary services is US$50 per consular seal. Fees are paid upon request at the day of your appointment. Fees are accepted in the form of a bank or postal money order in U.S. funds payable to “U.S. Consulate General” or “U.S. Embassy”. Credit cards are only accepted in person. They cannot accept payment by debit card.
Notarial service fees are per seal and signature required, not per document notarized.
Be aware that the consular officer may refuse any notary service when:
The host country does not authorize the performance of the service,
The document will be used in transactions that may be prohibited by U.S. law,
The officer believes that the document will be used for a purpose that is unlawful, improper, or inimical to the best interests of the United States,
The officer does not understand the document due to language, the documents are incomplete, or any other reason.
The person does not understand the nature and language of the instrument and is unable to comprehend the significance of the act or appears to be acting under duress.
If you are unprepared for your appointment you may be required to make a new appointment on a later day.
What Notary Services Can Be Completed at the United States Embassy in Canada ?
Notarial and authentication services are one of the oldest traditional U.S. consular functions, dating back to 1792. Consular officials at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad can provide a service similar to the functions of a notary public in the United States. It is also possible to have a document notarized by a local foreign notary or local government official and then have the document authenticated by a U.S. consular officer.
How to digitally sign and notarize United States documents online anywhere in Canada (Remote Online Notarization)
How to sign and notarize United States documents using a pen and ink online anywhere in Canada ? (Remote Ink Notarization)