About commissioners for taking affidavits appointments
Last updated on December 14, 2024
NOTICE: BC Commissioner Program reopening timeline
From September 12 to November 30, the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits for BC Program was on hold and unable to accept applications, change requests to current appointments or respond to queries.
The program is working to resume operation at reduced capacity in January 2025. Please see below for a timeline on gradual reopening and what to expect:
As of December 2, 2024, the program is now:
- receiving email queries at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca for response
- processing requests for cancellations or changes to current appointments
As of December 15, 2024:
- the application and online payment system is now open: see updated submission instructions and link to the application form on Apply for an appointment;
- the program is receiving applications (to prepare for processing at reduced capacity in January 2025).
When the program resumes operation at reduced capacity in January 2025:
- routine applications for renewal of commissions expiring on or before January 31, 2025 will be prioritized and are expected to be processed in time to be effective on February 1, 2025;
- expected processing timelines for routine applications is 4-6 weeks, not including mail times;
- incomplete applications (e.g., missing signatures, dates or appointment fee) and non-routine applications (such as applications that raise potential public protection concerns) may take longer to process.
Please carefully read all instructions on this website before applying.
A commissioner for taking affidavits is a person appointed or designated under the Evidence Act to administer oaths and affirmations and to take affidavits and declarations.
The Evidence Act and regulations designate some persons as commissioners for taking affidavits because of office or employment. Persons designated as a commissioner in this way do not need to apply for appointment. Click here for examples of persons who are commissioners because of their office or employment.
A person not already designated as a commissioner may be eligible for appointment as a commissioner for taking affidavits if their existing employment or work with a volunteer organization involves administering oaths or affirmations, or taking affidavits or statutory declarations, as permitted, authorized or required by law.
Commissioner appointments through this program are subject to the Evidence Act and regulations, and may include restrictions and conditions set by the Attorney General. The term of appointment is 3 years.
Persons who are commissioners by appointment:
- Can only provide commissioner services relating to their existing employment or involvement in a volunteer organization
- Are prohibited from charging fees for providing commissioner services, except where the fees are specifically allowed under other statutes
- Are prohibited from providing commissioner services after the expiry of their appointment term
The commissioners for taking affidavits lookup tool an be used to view commissioner appointments (1996-present), including term dates and restrictions.
How to apply for an appointment as a commissioner for taking affidavits
An eligible applicant must:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Have Canadian citizenship, landed immigrant or permanent resident status
- Have no relevant criminal record
In addition, all applicants must complete the application form and follow all instructions, including a detailed explanation of the Purpose of Appointment, a successfully completed examination and the applicable appointment fee. See Apply for an appointment for detailed instructions.
Applications for subsequent appointments must follow the same application process as applications for new appointments. See Apply for a subsequent appointment for detailed instructions.
Submitting an application (with a successfully completed examination and the applicable appointment fee) does not guarantee that an appointment as a commissioner for taking affidavits will be approved, even if you have been appointed as a commissioner in the past.
Our office strives to review and assess applications (new or subsequent) within 12 weeks (3 months), and applications may be approved or declined. Processing times are dependent on volume and will take longer if we need to contact you about your application package. See Review and approval process for more information.
The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Program does not provide any commissioner services.
Our office cannot provide advice as to whether a particular form or document can be witnessed by a commissioner. You may wish to consult a lawyer in such cases.