If you are planning to incorporate a business in Canada, you might come across the term “notary public” during the process. A notary public is a public official who can perform various legal services, including the authentication of documents and the administration of oaths. In the context of business incorporation, a notary public can play a crucial role in ensuring that the incorporation process goes smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss the role of a notary public in business incorporation and how they can help you in the process.

Incorporating a business in Ontario involves a lot of paperwork and legal formalities. One of the important steps is to have the articles of incorporation notarized. The articles of incorporation is a legal document that sets out the basic information about the corporation, such as its name, purpose, share structure, and the number and types of directors. Notarization is a process of verifying that a document is authentic and has been signed by the appropriate parties.

A notary public can notarize the articles of incorporation by verifying the identity of the signatories and confirming that they signed the document in their presence. They will also attach their official seal or stamp to the document, which serves as proof that the document has been notarized. This notarized document can then be submitted to the government for approval.

In addition to notarizing the articles of incorporation, a notary public can also help with other legal formalities related to business incorporation. For example, they can certify copies of documents, such as passports or driver’s licenses, that are required as part of the incorporation process. They can also witness the signing of other legal documents, such as shareholder agreements or bylaws.

Having a notary public involved in the incorporation process can provide additional assurance that the process has been done correctly and legally. They can help prevent errors and ensure that all the necessary documents have been properly executed. This can be especially important if you are incorporating a business for the first time and are not familiar with all the legal requirements.

In summary, a notary public plays an important role in business incorporation in Ontario. They can notarize the articles of incorporation, certify copies of documents, and witness the signing of other legal documents. Their involvement can help ensure that the incorporation process is done correctly and legally. If you are planning to incorporate a business, consider seeking the services of a notary public to help you navigate the legal formalities involved.