Witnessing Documents

Members of the public who require an official witness on a document may be able to avail of the City's services. The Legal Department can witness certain types of documents for a fee. This service fee is also applicable to providing certified copies of documents. Please note that there is a limit of three documents per appointment when requesting certified copies. The Legal Department does not provide individuals with legal advice respecting any document. Legal Department staff do not draft any legal documentation for witnessing.

Please note that Notaries are only required when witnessing or certifying documents that are being sent outside of the Province or outside of Canada. Commissioners can only witness or certify documents that are for use in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

We cannot witness any of the following types of documents:

Wills and estates (including power of attorney)
Family law (child custody, divorce, travel by custodial parent, etc.)
Personal finance (any documents dealing with financial issues, insurance, pensions, etc.)
Passport or Visa applications
Real estate (purchases, sales, transfers, etc.)

If we are unable to witness your document or provide you with an appointment, there are a number of private Notary Publics and Commissioners of Oaths offering witnessing services in the St. John's metropolitan area.

Fees and Payment

Witnessing of documents is by appointment only. Please arrange an appointment before coming to City Hall. A copy of the document(s) you wish to have witnessed or certified must be sent with your appointment request.

The fee for witnessing documents is $28.75 ($25 + HST).

Payment must be made at the Access Centre on the first floor of City Hall. Legal Department staff cannot collect any fees. Clients must present a payment receipt and a valid photo identification to have documents witnessed.

City affidavits for the seniors tax discount or the Non-Profit Housing Division are not subject to the witnessing fee but still require an appointment.

Contact Us

Legal Department
City Hall
10 New Gower Street
P.O. Box 908
St. John's, NL A1C 5M2, Map this location
Call: 709-576-8641, Send an Email

Access St. John's
City Hall
10 New Gower Street
P.O. Box 908
St. John's, NL A1C 5M2, Map this Location
Call: 311, or: 709-754-2489, Send an Email