What is a statutory declaration used for?

Common uses include proving a change of name, confirming you’re single and free to marry abroad, declaring that two names are the same person, and replacing lost documents. It’s a formal statement of fact for administrative matters — not court evidence, which is what an affidavit is for.

What’s the difference between a statutory declaration and an affidavit?

A statutory declaration is declared true under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 and used for non-court, administrative matters. An affidavit is sworn on oath (Oaths Act 1978) and used as evidence in court proceedings. If a court is involved, you usually need an affidavit.

How much does it cost to have a statutory declaration witnessed?

The fee is fixed by law: £5 per declarant plus £2 per exhibit, under the Commissioners for Oaths (Fees) Order 1993. Many high-street solicitors charge just that; some add appointment fees of £10–£30. Justices of the Peace and county-court officers can witness free by appointment.

Can I write my own statutory declaration?

Yes, but the prescribed wording from the 1835 Act must be used exactly — the opening “I … do solemnly and sincerely declare that”, the closing invocation of the Act, and the jurat your witness completes. Our generator produces that exact wording with your facts inserted.

What Is a Statutory Declaration? (UK Guide 2026)

Q: What happens if I lie in a statutory declaration?

Knowingly making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment. Every declaration we generate carries this warning — only declare what you know to be true.

Q: Does a statutory declaration expire?

Not by law — but recipients set their own freshness rules. Banks commonly require a declaration made within the last three months, and HM Passport Office around six. Check what your receiving organisation requires before booking your witnessing appointment.

Quick answer

A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that you sign in front of an authorised witness — a solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths, notary public or magistrate — declaring it true under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. The witnessing fee is fixed by law at £5. It’s used for name changes, proving single status, identity discrepancies and lost documents.

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

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A formal declaration document with a fountain pen, reading glasses and an ink stamp on a dark slate desk

What is a statutory declaration?

A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that you declare to be true before an authorised witness, governed by the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 — section 20 and its Schedule prescribe the exact form. It is not sworn on oath: that is an affidavit, which is sworn evidence for court under the Oaths Act 1978. Stat decs are for non-court, administrative matters.

WARNING: it is a criminal offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, knowingly to make a false statutory declaration. Do not sign this document until you are in front of your witness.

What can I use one for?

The use cases we generate tailored PDFs for: change of name (£9.99 — the standard route in Scotland, and an alternative to a deed poll), single status / freedom to marry abroad (£14.99), “one and the same person” identity discrepancies (£9.99), lost documents (£9.99), and a general-purpose generator (£9.99) where you write your own numbered paragraphs.

How much does a statutory declaration cost?

A solicitor may quote £25–£55 to draft a statutory declaration. Our tailored PDF is £9.99, and the statutory witnessing fee is fixed by law at £5. Many high-street solicitors charge only the bare £5; others add appointment fees of £10–£30; remote video witnessing runs around £55+VAT; notaries charge £50–£150; and JPs and county-court officers can witness free by appointment. Full breakdown on statutory declaration costs.

Does a statutory declaration expire?

Not by law — there is no statutory expiry. But recipients impose their own freshness rules: banks commonly require a declaration made within the last three months, and HM Passport Office around six. Check what your receiving organisation requires before booking your witnessing appointment.

Which stat decs should I NOT pay for?

Some declarations have free prescribed forms, and paying anyone for them is a waste: PE2/PE3 parking declarations (free gov.uk forms, witnessed free at a county court), Gender Recognition Act declarations, and SRA/GPhC professional admission declarations. Read the free PE2/PE3 route and when to use the free official forms.

Good to know

What Is a Statutory Declaration? (UK Guide 2026)

What is a statutory declaration?

What can I use one for?

How much does a statutory declaration cost?

Does a statutory declaration expire?

Which stat decs should I NOT pay for?

Frequently asked questions

What is a statutory declaration used for?+

What’s the difference between a statutory declaration and an affidavit?+

How much does it cost to have a statutory declaration witnessed?+

Can I write my own statutory declaration?+

What happens if I lie in a statutory declaration?+

Does a statutory declaration expire?+