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PE2 and PE3 Statutory Declarations: The Free Official Route

Quick answer

PE2 and PE3 statutory declarations for penalty charge notices are free: the prescribed forms are published on gov.uk, and county court officers can witness them free by appointment. You should not pay anyone for these forms — this guide walks you through the official route and links directly to the free downloads.

Checked by Sarah Ellison, paralegal — last reviewed 6 January 2026

Why are PE2 and PE3 declarations free?

Because they are prescribed court forms, not open-form 1835 Act declarations. The Traffic Enforcement Centre process uses the exact PE2/PE3 wording, which the government publishes at no cost — and county court officers can witness the signed form free by appointment. We do not sell these forms, and honestly, nobody should.

How do I file a PE2 statutory declaration?

Download form PE2 from gov.uk, complete it with the PCN number and the reason you did not receive the original notice (for example, it went to a previous address), then sign it before a witness — free at a county court by appointment, or £5 at a solicitor — and return it to the Traffic Enforcement Centre within the deadline on your Order for Recovery.

What if the deadline has already passed?

File form PE3 alongside your PE2, explaining why the declaration is late. The court decides whether to allow it — act quickly, keep evidence of when you first learned of the PCN, and consider free advice from Citizens Advice if the court refuses.

When IS a paid statutory declaration the right product?

When there is no prescribed free form and the wording must follow the 1835 Act exactly: name changes, single status for marrying abroad, identity discrepancies and lost documents. See when to use the free official forms for the full picture.

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