A guarantor is someone who can verify your identity and confirm information about you that certifies that the statements made on an application 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?
Generally, guarantors must meet certain criteria to qualify as a guarantor. This may include:
Age requirements, like being over the age of 18
Citizenship requirements, for example, must 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
Each government agency will have its own set of rules for who can be your guarantor. If you are not sure, we recommend that you contact the government agency for help. For example, if you are applying for a copy of a birth certificate from the Government of Ontario, you can contact ServiceOntario. If you are applying for a Canadian Passport, you can contact the Government of Canada’s Passport Program.
Can Downtown Notary be my guarantor?
Generally, we cannot act as guarantors for our clients. In most cases, guarantors must have known the applicant for a certain period of time, which is usually two years. We usually cannot satisfy that requirement.
What can I do if I don’t have a guarantor?
If you do not know anyone who can act as your guarantor, don’t worry. Contact the government agency to ask what your options are. You may be able to provide a statutory declaration in lieu of a guarantor that you must sign in front of a notary.
Do you have a statutory declaration in lieu of a guarantor that needs to be notarized? Downtown Notary can help. Contact us today for more information. Ready to get started? Book your appointment online today!