Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between Commissioner of Oath and Notary Public

Commissioner of Oath vs Notary Public

Notary Public and Commissioner of Oath are two professionals that show differences between them when it comes to their functions and duties. One has to understand the difference between the commissioner of oath and a notary public.

A commissioner of oath has to be the officer of court who can give an oath to make sure people tell the truth during the proceedings of the court. He is appointed by the court. In short, a commissioner for oaths is a solicitor authorized to administer an oath to a person making an affidavit.

On the contrary a notary public is a person authorized to perform certain legal formalities especially to draw up or certify contracts, deeds and the like.  A notary public can notarize signatures for documents.

One of the main differences between a commissioner of oath and a notary public is that although both are authorized servants of the government, the notary public is authorized to certify whereas a commissioner of oath is authorized to administer an oath or to verify the truth behind the statements made in the affidavit filed by a person.

It is generally believed that the job of a notary public is easier when compared to the job of a commissioner of oath. This is due to the fact that the commissioner of oath is expected to go into the details of the affidavit and to verify the veracity of the statements made therein.