Have you been asked to provide a guarantor on a government document?

A guarantor is a person who can verify your identity and generally confirm information stated about you which will certify that the statements made on an application / document are true.

You may be asked to provide the name of a guarantor when you apply for copies or renewals of government identification, like Ontario birth certificates or Canadian passports.

Who can be my guarantor?

In general, guarantors must meet certain criteria to qualify as a guarantor. These criteria often include:

• Age requirements, such as being over the age of 18

• Citizenship requirements, for example, the guarantor may be required to be a Canadian citizen

• Occupational requirements, for example, must be a member of a specified profession, like a doctor or a lawyer

• How long the guarantor has known you personally, for example, a specified number of years (this is often the most difficult requirement for people to meet, especially if you are new to Canada)

Every government body or organization will have specific rules about who can be your guarantor. If you are unsure, please contact the government agency for help. If you are applying for a copy of a birth certificate from the Government of Ontario, please contact ServiceOntario. Or, if you are applying for a Canadian Passport, get in touch with the Government of Canada’s Passport Program.

Can a Notary Pro notary be my guarantor?

Notary Pro Canada notaries cannot act as guarantors for any client. Because guarantors must have known the applicant for a period of time, which is usually two years, we cannot satisfy that requirement. We will not lie about this requirement for a client, under any circumstance (don’t bother asking us!).

What should I do if I don’t know a guarantor?

If you do not know someone who can act as your guarantor, there are often other options. We encourage you to contact the government agency to ask what your options are. If you are applying for a Canadian Passport, you may be able to provide a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of a Guarantor form (PPTC 132) that you must sign in front of a notary.

Do you have a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of a Guarantor document that needs to be notarized? Notary Pro can notarize this form. Simply book your appointment online today!