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Apply for a subsequent appointment

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 person applying for a subsequent appointment must meet the same eligibility requirements and follow the same application process.

Even if you have been appointed as a commissioner in the past, this does not guarantee that subsequent applications (often referred to as “renewal applications”) will also be approve.

Applications for subsequent appointments must follow the same application process as applications for new appointments, including a detailed explanation of the Purpose of Appointment (clearly demonstrate a legitimate need to perform commissioner functions as part of their existing employment or work with a volunteer organization, with any supporting legislation or sample forms/documents), a successfully completed examination and the applicable appointment fee. See Apply for an appointment for detailed instructions.

Will I be notified before my appointment is about to expire?

The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Program does not send out reminder notices of appointments about to expire. The term of appointment is 3 years, and an appointment order will show the effective and expiry dates of your appointment. 

When should I submit my application for a subsequent appointment?

If you currently have an existing appointment, your application for a subsequent appointment will not be considered if it is submitted more than 12 weeks (3 months) before the expiration of your current appointment.

If your subsequent application is submitted more than 12 weeks before your current appointment expires, it will not be processed until closer to the expiry date.

Normal processing times (up to 12 weeks) apply. Subsequent applications are scheduled for processing to ensure that, if approved, the new appointment does not overlap with an existing appointment. 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.