Understanding the Scope of a BC Notary Public

In British Columbia, a Notary Public plays an important role in helping individuals and families handle key legal matters—especially those that require reliability, clarity, and proper documentation. While notaries are not lawyers, they are highly trained legal professionals with a defined scope of practice focused on non-contentious matters.

What Can a BC Notary Do?
A BC Notary Public is authorized through the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia to provide a range of legal services, including:

• Real Estate Transactions: Preparing and registering documents for purchases, sales, mortgages, and refinances through the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia.
  
• Wills & Estate Planning: Drafting simple wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements.
  
• Notarizations: Certifying true copies, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths and affidavits.
• Authentication & Certification: Assisting with documents intended for use outside of Canada.

What Is Outside a Notary’s Scope?
BC Notaries generally do not handle contentious legal matters, such as disputes, litigation, or complex family law issues. In those situations, clients are typically referred to a lawyer.

Why This Matters to Clients
The scope of a BC Notary’s practice is designed to provide accessible and efficient legal services for everyday needs—particularly in real estate and estate planning. For many transactions, working with a Notary can be a cost-effective and streamlined option.

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