Mortgage discharge and need for a Notary?

jazzman · 2025-09-29T04:13:09-0400

Hello, I live in BC and have a couple of questions about property title and mortgage processes.

I plan to make a lump sum payment to pay off my remaining mortgage balance. Once that’s done, is it recommended that I hire a notary public to have the bank’s lien removed from my property title, or is this something the bank will handle directly as part of a standard process? Is there some other part of the discharge process that require a notary public?
I would also like to add my partner to the property title. I know which form to use, but is it recommended to hire a notary public for this? It is a standard case of adding my spouse as equal owner.

A notary public quoted me $2,000 to handle both matters. I would appreciate any insights or experiences—especially whether hiring a notary is necessary or if these steps can be done without one.

Thank you!

Money172375 · 2025-09-29T08:08:07-0400

In Ontario, the bank can handle the lien removal. Not sure about BC.

Retiredguy · 2025-09-29T17:15:52-0400

Years ago now but TD in BC did it.

ian · 2025-09-29T10:53:28-0400

BC. CIBC did our removal.

If you are not certain call the mortgage officer at your bank. He or she will know, if not a quick call to the regional team wll give them the answer.

Plugging Along · 2025-09-29T12:48:48-0400

For my BC place, the bank removed the lien. I don't about adding to title, as we didn't have to do that. For our place in AB, I went to the land titles registries. It was about $60. My lawyer did one that for me that was about $500 when my mom passed So $2000 seems high to me.

Ponderling · 2025-09-29T17:05:38-0400

I had my self directed RRSP held mortgage administered by Scotia Trust.
At end of me paying it off, the charge was never removed from title.

Some day it is going to take a few weeks to unscrew this.
But in the mean time I consider it a simple no cost title/mortgage fraud measure that some companies charge for.

twa2w · 2025-09-30T00:41:15-0400

The discharge will depend on your bank. Some banks prepare and register the discharge. Other banks prepare the discharge documents , then send them to you, and you have to register the discharge. This often leads to confusion years later when people go to sell and realize the mortgage was never discharged. (and they burnt the discharge papers

)

With today's blanket mortgages which provide security for various mortgage segments and lines of credit in one instrument, the bank will not provide a discharge unless you pay off all segments and request a discharge.

If the bank provides you with unregistered discharge papers, you can register the discharge yourself - a small fee will likely apply. You can also add your spouse yourself. if you are reasonably good at following instructions and completing forms.

Mortgage discharge and need for a Notary?

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