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Appointment lookup tool

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. 

The commissioners for taking affidavits lookup tool can be used to view commissioner appointments, including their term dates and restrictions, made under section 56 of the Evidence Act since 1996.

Appointment Lookup Tool

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

Persons who are commissioners because of their office or employment do not appear in the lookup tool. Examples include lawyers, notaries public and Service BC customer service representatives and senior customer service representatives (see section 60 of the Act, along with B.C. Reg. 142/2015). More information about lawyers and notaries public in B.C. is available from the Law Society of British Columbia and the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia.

If you intend to visit a Service BC location, it is recommended that you contact the location before visiting to confirm what commissioner services are provided there.

 

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.