Frequently asked questions

To verify the validity of an electronic copy of a technological notarial act, consult the procedure.

In a real estate transaction (sale of a home, condo or piece of property), the notary works for both the seller and the buyer, even though he or she is chosen by the buyer. As the notary works for both parties, each party must cover the costs associated with the verifications and disbursements made on its behalf.

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Since the abolition of the mandatory notarial tariff in 1991, fees have been regulated by the Code of ethics of notaries. This Code provides that professional fees must be fair and reasonable according to certain criteria, including the time and effort devoted to the file, its complexity, and the notary’s experience and expertise. Contact your notary to find out more about their professional fees, taxes and the costs of opening a file.

Some notaries are accredited by the Order to act as identity verification agents (IVAs). These notaries are authorized by some government organizations to certify the identity of clients who want keys or certificates (digital signatures) to undertake electronic exchanges with them.

Identity verification is carried out by means of two pieces of ID from reliable and independent sources, and at least one must include a photo.

As a result of the pandemic physical distancing rules, it has been possible to sign notarial acts remotely using the technology-based notarial act since April 1, 2020.

Please note that notaries are subject to physical distancing rules. They should not expose themselves, their clients or their staff to risk. En plus des directives données aux notaires devant tenir des rencontres physiques avec leurs clients, la Chambre des notaires, en collaboration avec des partenaires et le gouvernement, a développé une solution alternative : l’acte notarié technologique accessible depuis le 1er avril 2020.Please note that notaries are subject to physical distancing rules. They should not expose themselves, their clients or their staff to risk. Please note that notaries are subject to physical distancing rules. They should not expose themselves, their clients or their staff to risk. In addition to the guidelines given to notaries who must hold physical meetings with their clients, the Chambre des notaires, in collaboration with its partners and the government, has developed an alternative solution: the technology-based notarial act, available since April 1, 2020.

For transactions involving a sum of money, the notary will let you know that they must carry out certain verifications before transferring the amount to you.

If you need a notary but do not know one, ask for references from people you know or use the online Find a notary tool, where you will find the names of notaries based on your search criteria and their proximity to your home.

Since the new Code of Civil Procedure of Québec entered into force in 2016, parties in dispute must make use of dispute prevention and resolution methods. These include conciliation, mediation and arbitration, which require the presence of an impartial third party appointed by the persons involved.

As a result of their professional training and position, notaries are impartial legal professionals who must try to avoid conflicts. Their first reflex is therefore to find a middle ground that is advantageous for everyone. If agreements or documents have to be signed, notaries can confer authenticity on them, which makes them more difficult to challenge. The notary must also keep the original.

The area of expertise of notaries is vast, both in traditional and non-traditional areas.