Moving and a notarial transaction overlapping is more common than most people realize. The period between an accepted offer to purchase and signing at the notary's office can stretch over several weeks — sometimes longer — and life doesn't pause in the meantime. If your address changes along the way, a few straightforward precautions can prevent unnecessary complications.
Notify Your Notary Right Away
As soon as you know your mailing address is going to change — even if the moving date isn't confirmed yet — let your notary know. This isn't a minor formality: official communications are sent to the parties throughout the file, and the address recorded in the documents must reflect accurate, up-to-date information.
This update directly affects how the file is put together. If there's a discrepancy between the address provided at the start of the process and the one appearing on your identification at the time of signing, it can raise questions during the identity verification your notary is required to carry out before executing any notarial act.
Identity Verification: A Specific Moment in the Process
At the time of signing, the notary is required under Quebec law to verify the identity of all parties. The documents presented must be valid, and the information they contain must be consistent with what's on file. If your driver's licence shows an old address while your other documents reflect a new one — or vice versa — bring it up with your notary in advance rather than discovering the issue on signing day.
Distinguishing the Signing Date from the Moving Date
This is one of the most frequently confused points, and that confusion can lead to awkward situations. The date recorded in the notarial act — the date on which ownership officially transfers — is not necessarily the day you hand over the keys or load boxes into the moving truck.
Planning your physical move around the signing date, rather than the other way around, makes logistics considerably easier. Last-minute changes to the signing date are possible, but they're never without consequence: they require coordination between the parties, financial institutions, and sometimes other stakeholders. It's far better to confirm the date with your notary before booking a moving company or giving notice to your current landlord.
Documents Arriving by Mail
After signing, certain documents will be sent to you by mail: copies of acts, notices, and various correspondence. If your address has changed between the signing date and when those items are delivered, make sure your notary has your updated contact information. A document sent to an old address can cause delays — and in some cases, additional steps may be required to obtain a duplicate.
Administrative Steps Following the Transaction
Signing at the notary's office marks the end of the transaction, but it also opens a series of administrative follow-up tasks. These include updating your contact information with financial institutions, insurers, and the various registries involved. If you're moving at the same time, it's worth drawing up a checklist of these updates so nothing gets left unresolved.
In Laval, as elsewhere in Quebec, processing times vary by organization. Taking care of these steps in the days immediately following signing allows you to close out the transition cleanly, without important communications getting lost along the way.
Contact Groupe Synergie Notaires
Has your situation changed before signing? Reach out to Groupe Synergie Notaires at (514) 399-1009 or info@gsnotaires.com to discuss your file with Me Mirabela Petrulian and avoid any delays. The firm is located at 67 boulevard Samson, in Laval (Sainte-Dorothée).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notify my notary if I'm moving before the act is signed?
Yes, it's important to inform your notary as soon as you have your new address, so that the documents in your file remain accurate and all communications reach you without delay.
Are the moving date and the signing date at the notary's office the same thing?
No, they are two separate dates. The signing date is when ownership officially transfers under the notarial act, while the physical move is something you plan around that date — not the other way around.
What happens if the address on my ID no longer matches my current address at the time of signing?
The notary is required to verify the identity of all parties at signing. If your documents contain information that appears inconsistent, it's best to discuss it with your notary ahead of time to avoid any complications on signing day.
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As each situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a professional to obtain advice tailored to your particular situation.