Frequently asked questions
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.
Q. I’m trying to get my document commissioned. Where do I send it?
A. Our office does not provide any commissioner services. Commissioners are appointed from this office only for the specific purposes of their existing employment or volunteer work, and cannot provide commissioner services for any other purpose (e.g. for the general public).
Lawyers and Notaries Public are commissioners by virtue of their employment. Service BC locations throughout the province have staff who are commissioners.
Q. What types of documents can I commission if I am appointed a commissioner for taking affidavits for B.C.?
A. Refer to the Restriction section of your appointment order to determine what documents you may commission. If you are still unsure, you may wish to seek independent legal advice.
Q. How long will it take to process my application?
A. Allow at least 12 weeks for application processing for both new and subsequent applications. To avoid delays in processing, follow all instructions on this website carefully when preparing your application and ensure that your package is addressed correctly (see Contact information).
Q. My appointment is going to expire this year. What do I do?
A. Applications for a subsequent appointment must follow the same application process as applications for new appointments. Do not submit this application more than 12 weeks (3 months) before the expiry date of your current appointment. Please refer to Apply for a subsequent appointment for more information.
Q. Can my application request be declined?
A. Yes, please refer to Review and approval process.
Q. I work/volunteer for more than 1 employer/organization. Can I use a single appointment order for different employers/organizations?
A. No. Commissioner for taking affidavits appointments are employer or organization specific, meaning you must submit a separate application package (completed application form, examination and applicable fee) for each employer/organization.
Q. Is there an appointment fee?
A. Yes, there is a $50 appointment fee. For more information, please refer to Appointment fee.
Q. Who is exempt from the fee?
A. Section 58 of the Evidence Act exempts some applicants from this appointment fee. For more information, please refer to Appointment fee. If you are still unsure, please contact BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca with your question.
Q. Can I send cash?
A. No, cash is not accepted. For accepted forms of payment, please refer to Appointment fee.
Q. Can I pay online with a credit card?
A. Yes, you can pay online with a credit card when completing your application form. For accepted credit card types, please refer to Appointment fee.
Online payment is recommended to avoid delays with processing your appointment fee. Cheques can become stale-dated (over 6 months past the date) or may be unable to be processed for other reasons (see NSF bank charges on failed cheque).
Q. Does the appointment fee include GST and/or PST?
A. No, the appointment fee is prescribed by regulation and is not based on a calculation that includes GST and/or PST.
Q. What should I do if I have changed my name since being appointed as a commissioner?
A. Email a PDF or scanned copy of your Vital Statistics name change certificate to our office at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca.
Q. What should I do if I have changed my position/title since being appointed as a commissioner?
A. Email us at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca, and request to have your appointment updated with your new title. Clearly state your new position/title.
Q. Do I need to re-apply if my company has changed names?
A. No. You may email us at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca, and request to have your appointment updated with the new company name. Clearly state the new company name.
Q. Do appointment orders expire?
A. Yes. Appointment orders expire 3 years after they are granted. The expiry date of your appointment is shown on the appointment order that was sent from our office.
Q. Is the Covid-19 virtual commissioning procedure still in effect?
A. Unless otherwise stated, the Covid-19 direction remains in effect. The Covid-19 direction is continually being assessed to determine if the direction is still required. Check the COVID-19 Direction for Commissioner for Taking Affidavits for updates on virtual commissioning policies.
Q. Who can I contact if I still have questions?
A. Email us at BCCommAff@gov.bc.ca if you still have any questions not answered on this website.