Clerk's Department Services

The Township of Southgate provides the services of a Commissioner of Oaths during regular business hours. The Commissioner is able to witness signatures of certain documents.  We recommend that you call the Clerk ahead of time to ensure the availability of a Commissioner. 

Please note that we do not have a Notary Public on staff and do not notarize documents. 

Commissioning Guidelines

In order to have a document commissioned all parties required to sign the document must be present and must provide valid photo identification such as a driver's license or health card. Documents which have already been signed will not be commissioned. 

The Commissioner will first review the document to determine if the document meets their approval. We reserve the right to refuse commissioning services of any document.

If the paperwork is in order, all parties named in the document will then affirm or swear an oath of truth and the Commissioner will then stamp the document.

Please note that documents that are in any language other than English will not be commissioned, as we cannot validate the information that is affirmed.

The Township of Southgate reserve the right to refuse commissioning services. 

It is recommended to call the Township of Southgate to book an appointment for Commissioning Services. This will ensure there is a Commissioner of Oaths available when you come in for your commissioning.

Preparing a Statutory Declaration

Information about preparing a Statutory Declaration, and sample wording is given in the Canada Evidence Act.

Fees

Commissioning services offered by the Township are free of charge for all Southgate residents. For non-residents, a $15.00 fee applies.

A marriage license is required to get married in Ontario (or the publication of banns from a church). The Township of Southgate was selected to participate in the Ontario Marriage Licensing Modernization Project, which simplifies the marriage license application process. Online applications must be submitted through the Ontario Marriage License Application portal below. Couples are encourage to visit Ontario.ca/GettingMarried to learn about the necessary documents, officiants and other requirements for making their marriage official. 

 Marriage Licensing Portal 

Apply for a Marriage License

Marriage License Application forms can also be summited in person by at least one of the individuals getting married. The application for must be signed by both parties, and two pieces of government issued identification for each part are required along with copies of any divorce orders, if applicable. 

Marriage licenses are submitted and issued at the Township of Southgate Municipal Office. 

What do I need to bring? 

Provide 2 pieces of government-issued identification for each person getting married. One piece of identification for each person getting married must include their photo.

Examples of government-issued identification include:

• Birth Certificate (Canadian or foreign)
• Passport (Canadian or foreign)
• Driver's licence (Canadian or foreign)
• Ontario Photo Card
• Photo identity card (other Canadian province/territory or foreign)
• Canadian Citizenship Card or Certificate
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card
• Canadian record of landing
• Canadian Government Refugee Travel Document
• Canadian Department of National Defence driver's licence (Form DND 404)
• Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence
• Canadian Status Card
• Canadian Conditional Release Identification Card
• Nexus Card
• United States Green card
• Report Pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with photo (Form IMM 1442)
• Student Authorization/Study Permit (Form IMM 1442)
• Employment Authorization/Work Permit (Form IMM 1442)
• Visitor Record (Form IMM 1442)
• Temporary Resident's Permit (Form IMM 1442) - formally Minister's Permit/Extension of Minister's Permit

Second Marriages

If you are divorced or widowed and planning to apply for a marriage license, be sure to consult the Government of Ontario guidelines to ensure you have all the required documentation.

Applicant Under the Age of 18

In order to get a marriage license in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years of age. Review the Government of Ontario age regulations to determine what you need to get a marriage license under the age of 18.

Fees

All marriage licenses issued at the Township of Southgate are $100.00, payable at the time of license pick up by cash, cheque or debit. 

The Township of Southgate offers Civil Marriage Ceremonies performed by the Municipal Clerk or Designate. Please note that civil marriage ceremony requests are dependent on staff availability.

Ceremonies can be held in the Meeting Room at 185667 Grey Road 9, Dundalk, or at Council Chambers located at 123273 Southgate Road 12, Holstein, Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm, and are available by appointment only.

For weddings in the Meeting Room or Council Chambers, alcohol, confetti, bubbles, rice, candles or incense are not permitted.

All ceremonies require a pre-wedding consultation prior to the ceremony, usually arranged at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding date.

For consultations, couples must come prepared with the following:

• A valid marriage license
• Government issued photo ID
• Payment for ceremony
• Names and addresses of two witnesses
• Any materials to be incorporated into the ceremony

Ceremony Options

The Township of Southgate offers Civil Ceremony Options which can be customized to each individual ceremony.

Fees

Please refer to our Fees and Charges By-law for current fees. All fees are payable by cash, cheque, or debit at the Township of Southgate. 

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates Charitable Lottery Licensing for the province. The Order in Council provides municipalities with licensing authority for: