Ontario remote service workflows start with a key distinction: remote notarization is not currently permitted, while remote commissioning of affidavits and declarations may be allowed when Ontario Regulation 431/20 conditions are met. Use this walkthrough to route Ontario requests correctly, prepare your NotaryCentral workspace, and avoid treating remote commissioning as RON.
Complete walkthrough
| Step | What to do | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm whether the request is a notarial act or a commissioning act. | Notarial acts must be in person; remote commissioning may be available for affidavits or declarations. |
| 2 | Review Ontario's no-RON submission guidance. | Ontario submission guide |
| 3 | If the request is remote commissioning, follow Ontario Regulation 431/20 conditions. | Ontario Regulation 431/20 |
| 4 | Set up your NotaryCentral workspace after logging in. | Open workspace onboarding |
| 5 | Practice the Ontario remote-service workflow before using it with a real client. | Ontario practice module |
| 6 | Complete only legally available remote commissioning workflows; keep remote notarization in person unless Ontario law changes. | Ontario live workflow module |
1. Determine the requested act
First decide whether the client needs notarization or commissioning. Ontario notarial acts must be performed in person unless regulations authorize remote notarization. Remote commissioning is a separate workflow for affidavits and declarations and may be available when the commissioner follows Ontario Regulation 431/20.
2. Confirm there is no Ontario RON filing
Use the Ontario submission guide to review why there is no remote notarization application, no remote notarization vendor filing, no sample document submission, and no remote commissioning registration filing.
3. Follow remote commissioning conditions when applicable
For remote commissioning, use live audio-video communication, verify identity, complete the required jurat wording and location details, confirm understanding, and retain the transaction record. These are compliance steps, not government filing artifacts.
4. Set up your NotaryCentral workspace
After you log in to NotaryCentral, complete your workspace setup at app.notarycentral.org/search/onboarding. This is where you prepare your workspace before handling legally available remote-service workflows.
5. Practice the Ontario workflow
Use the Ontario practice module to rehearse routing requests, distinguishing remote commissioning from remote notarization, and preparing compliant records.
6. Complete only legally available remote commissioning workflows
After you are ready, use the Ontario live workflow module to prepare for real remote commissioning requests. Do not perform remote or virtual notarization unless Ontario law changes to permit it.