Where to Certify Documents - City Clerk Montréal

In Montréal, Quebec many municipal documents and certain official extracts can be certified by the Office of the City Clerk for use in administrative or legal processes. Private documents often require a notary or a commissioner for oaths; the City Clerk most commonly certifies documents that originate with the City or that must be authenticated for municipal purposes. For details on what the City Clerk certifies and how to request certification, contact the City Clerk's office directly via the city's service page: Office of the City Clerk^[1].

What the City Clerk can certify

The Office of the City Clerk typically issues certified true copies, extracts of council minutes, authenticated bylaws and attestations of signatures on municipal documents. It will not act as a notary public for private contracts unless the document is connected to city business.

• Certified copies of municipal bylaws and council minutes.
• Extracts or attestations for municipal permits and licences when required.
• Authentication of signatures on city-origin documents.

How to request certification

Prepare the original document and any required identity documents for the person requesting certification. If the document is not a municipal original, the Clerk may decline and advise using a notary or a commissioner for oaths. Bring government-issued photo ID and, if applicable, any reference numbers for permits or files held by the City.

• Contact the Office of the City Clerk by phone or web to confirm requirements.
• Bring original documents and one photocopy for certification.
• Ask about fees in advance; fees may apply for copies or certified extracts.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for authenticating and certifying municipal records; misuse of a certified municipal document or presenting a falsified certification may lead to criminal or administrative proceedings handled by provincial authorities or municipal enforcement, depending on the conduct. Specific monetary penalties for misuse are not specified on the cited page; consult the Clerk for details and referral to the appropriate enforcement authority if abuse is suspected.^[1]

• Fines or penalties: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: referral to courts, orders or other provincial enforcement may apply.
• Enforcer: Office of the City Clerk for certification issues; provincial authorities for fraud or criminal matters.

Applications & Forms

There is no universally published single form for every certification on the City's public page; the Clerk's office accepts requests for certified copies and extracts and will advise whether a written request or form is needed. Fees and submission methods are described by the Clerk on request or via the City's service page.^[1]

Common situations and recommended action steps

• If you need a certified copy of a municipal bylaw, request an extract from the Office of the City Clerk and provide the bylaw number or council meeting date.
• For certification of a permit-related document, include the permit reference and original document when you apply.
• If you need certification for a private contract, consult a notary or commissioner for oaths; the Clerk may not certify purely private documents.

FAQ

Who can certify documents for municipal use in Montréal?

The Office of the City Clerk certifies municipal records and can authenticate signatures on city documents; private documents usually require a notary or commissioner for oaths.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments or prior contact are recommended to confirm requirements and fees; check the Clerk's service page or call ahead.

Are there fees to certify a document?

Fees may apply but specific amounts are not published on the City's public service page; contact the Clerk for current fees.

How-To

1. Confirm that the document relates to municipal business and that the Office of the City Clerk can certify it by checking the City’s service page or calling the Clerk.
2. Gather the original document, a clear photocopy for certification, and government-issued photo ID for the requester.
3. Contact or visit the Office of the City Clerk during business hours to submit the document and pay any fee stated by the Clerk.
4. Receive the certified copy or extract; confirm whether additional attestations or signatures are required for your intended use.

Key Takeaways

• The City Clerk certifies municipal-origin documents and extracts, not typically private contracts.
• Contact the Office of the City Clerk before visiting to confirm requirements and fees.

Help and Support / Resources

• Office of the City Clerk - City of Montréal
• By-laws and regulations - City of Montréal
• Justice Québec - general information

1. [1] Office of the City Clerk - City of Montréal, service and contact page