Practical Guide #1
What Documents You’ll Need for Your Notary Appointment
(For buying, selling, or refinancing a property in Québec)
Found your dream home? Sold your current one? Maybe you’ve just renegotiated your mortgage? Congrats!
Now comes the part where your notary asks for a bunch of documents—and you're not quite sure if you’ve got everything?
No stress.
Here’s a clear, practical checklist based on your type of transaction—so you know what to send and when to send it.
If You’re Buying a Property
|
Document |
Why It’s Required |
|
Signed Offer to Purchase |
It’s the legal foundation of the transaction |
|
Real estate broker’s contact info (if applicable) |
To coordinate communication between all parties |
|
Mortgage approval / financing letter |
So the notary can prepare your loan documents |
|
Two valid pieces of ID |
Required to verify your legal identity |
|
Proof of home insurance coverage |
Mandatory before signing the deed |
|
Possession date |
To schedule your transaction correctly |
Notairo will send you a personalized checklist once your file is opened.
If You’re Selling a Property
|
Document |
Why It’s Required |
|
Signed Offer to Purchase |
Forms the legal basis of the transaction |
|
Property title |
Confirms you are the legal owner |
|
Up-to-date certificate of location |
Required to register the sale (must be less than 10 years old, with no changes) |
|
Valid ID |
Legal identity verification |
|
Contact info for broker and buyer’s notary (if known) |
Helps ensure smooth communication |
|
Instructions for fund transfer |
So you receive your payment after the sale |
Missing an up-to-date certificate of location? Notairo can guide you on what to do next.
If You’re Refinancing Your Mortgage
|
Document |
Why It’s Required |
|
Mortgage approval letter |
Used to draft the new loan deed and register the mortgage |
|
Balance statement of current loan |
Allows the notary to process the cancellation |
|
Valid ID |
Required for identity verification |
|
Proof of home insurance |
Sometimes requested by your new lender |
|
Property title |
Confirms your legal right to refinance |
Some lenders will send these directly to the notary. Confirm with your mortgage advisor.
Pro Tips to Stay Organized
- Keep all documents in digital format (PDF preferred)
- Use clear filenames: offer_purchase_duplex_may2025.pdf
- Always upload via Notairo’s secure platform—never email
- Keep a copy of everything you send
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something’s missing or unclear
When Should You Send Them?
As soon as possible after receiving your quote.
The sooner you send them, the smoother your transaction will go.
When in doubt: it’s better to send too much than too little.
Summary
|
You’re buying? |
You’re selling? |
You’re refinancing? |
|
Offer to purchase |
Offer to purchase |
Mortgage approval letter |
|
Financing letter |
Certificate of location |
Balance statement |
|
Two valid IDs |
Property title |
Property title |
|
Home insurance |
Two valid IDs |
Two valid IDs |
|
Notary contact info (optional) |
Notary + broker contact info |
Home insurance (sometimes) |
Got your docs ready?
If you already have these on hand, you're ready to take the next step.
With Notairo, you can:
- Get a clear online quote
- Upload and centralize your documents securely
- Track your file in real time from start to finish
