Notary Services Glossary beginning with V

In certain counties, such as Italy, 'validation' is the process of certifying that the signature of the lawyer, notary public, Canadian government official, or representative of an educational institution corresponds to the same signature deposited at the consulate. This is also known as 'legalization', or 'super-legalization' in other countries.

A person authorized to witness the signing of documents, make certified copies, solemn declarations, and affidavits, etc...  In British Columbia, the rights and powers of notaries are set out in Section 18 of the B.C. Notaries Act.  Section 14(3) of the Legal Profession Act, provides that lawyers in British Columbia are automatically granted the same powers as notaries.  

For a more detailed definition, please see Notary Public.

Vellum is derived from the Latin word 'vitulinum' meaning 'made from calf'. The term often refers to a parchment made from calf skin. Vellum is prepared for writing or printing on, to produce single pages, religious scrolls, or books. The term is sometimes used with a more general meaning referring to finer-quality parchments made from a variety of animal skins.

Modern 'paper vellum' (vegetable vellum) is a different synthetic material, used for a variety of purposes including plans, technical drawings, and blueprints.

Sometimes paper manufacturers use the term 'vellum' to market their heavier bond paper as higher quality.

The location where the notarial act takes place. The venue is the part of the notary wording that describes where the notarization took place. Also known as jurisdiction. 

The ascertaining of an allegation to be true. The acceptance of a notary public that the person appearing before him or her has been properly identified.

Please see 'Notarization', or 'Acknowledgment'.

A junior ranking consular officer.

An endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a foreign country where they are not a citizen. An official authorization appended to a passport, permitting entry into and travel within a particular country or region. 

Government written authority to enter a country for temporary residence.

See 'Letter of Invitation for Foreign Travel'.

An original document held by a provincial agency having to do with birth, marriage, divorce, or death of an individual.