Frequently asked questions
Last updated on September 12, 2024NOTICE: BC Commissioner Program on HOLD until further notice
The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits for BC Program is on hold pending staffing measures and is not accepting applications at this time.
If you have applied for an appointment and do not hear from us by October 1, 2024, your application was unable to be processed in time. Unprocessed applications will be returned and appointment fees will be returned or refunded, as applicable.
While on hold, the program is unable to accept change requests to current appointments or respond to queries.
We hope to be able to resume operation and begin receiving applications again towards the end of 2024. Please monitor this website for updates.
Q. I’m trying to get my document commissioned. Where do I send it?
A. Our office does not provide any commissioner services. Commissioners are appointed from this office only for the specific purposes of their existing employment or volunteer work, and cannot provide commissioner services for any other purpose (e.g. for the general public).
Lawyers and Notaries Public are commissioners by virtue of their employment. Service BC locations throughout the province have staff who are commissioners.
Q. What types of documents can I commission if I am appointed a commissioner for taking affidavits for B.C.?
A. Refer to the Restriction section of your appointment order to determine what documents you may commission. If you are still unsure, you may wish to seek independent legal advice.
Q. How long will it take to process my application?
A. Allow at least 12 weeks for application processing for both new and subsequent applications. To avoid delays in processing, follow all instructions on this website carefully when preparing your application and ensure that your package is addressed correctly (see Contact information).
Q. My appointment is going to expire this year. What do I do?
A. Applications for a subsequent appointment must follow the same application process as applications for new appointments. Do not submit this application more than 12 weeks (3 months) before the expiry date of your current appointment. Please refer to Apply for a subsequent appointment for more information.
Q. Can my application request be declined?
A. Yes, please refer to Review and approval process.
Q. I work/volunteer for more than 1 employer/organization. Can I use a single appointment order for different employers/organizations?
A. No. Commissioner for taking affidavits appointments are employer or organization specific, meaning you must submit a separate application package (completed application form, examination and applicable fee) for each employer/organization.
Q. Is there an appointment fee?
A. Yes, there is a $50 appointment fee. For more information, please refer to Appointment fee.
Q. Who is exempt from the fee?
A. Section 58 of the Evidence Act exempts some applicants from this appointment fee. For more information, please refer to Appointment fee. If you are still unsure, please contact BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca with your question.
Q. Can I send cash?
A. No, cash is not accepted. For accepted forms of payment, please refer to Appointment fee.
Q. Can I pay online with a credit card?
A. Yes, you can pay online with a credit card when completing your application form. For accepted credit card types, please refer to Appointment fee.
Online payment is recommended to avoid delays with processing your appointment fee. Cheques can become stale-dated (over 6 months past the date) or may be unable to be processed for other reasons (see NSF bank charges on failed cheque).
Q. Does the appointment fee include GST and/or PST?
A. No, the appointment fee is prescribed by regulation and is not based on a calculation that includes GST and/or PST.
Q. What should I do if I have changed my name since being appointed as a commissioner?
A. Email a PDF or scanned copy of your Vital Statistics name change certificate to our office at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca.
Q. What should I do if I have changed my position/title since being appointed as a commissioner?
A. Email us at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca, and request to have your appointment updated with your new title. Clearly state your new position/title.
Q. Do I need to re-apply if my company has changed names?
A. No. You may email us at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca, and request to have your appointment updated with the new company name. Clearly state the new company name.
Q. Do appointment orders expire?
A. Yes. Appointment orders expire 3 years after they are granted. The expiry date of your appointment is shown on the appointment order that was sent from our office.
Q. Is the Covid-19 virtual commissioning procedure still in effect?
A. Unless otherwise stated, the Covid-19 direction remains in effect. The Covid-19 direction is continually being assessed to determine if the direction is still required. Check the COVID-19 Direction for Commissioner for Taking Affidavits for updates on virtual commissioning policies.
Q. Who can I contact if I still have questions?
A. Email us at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca if you still have any questions not answered on this website.