Who Can Witness a Statutory Declaration in the UK?

In the UK: a practising solicitor, a Commissioner for Oaths, a notary public, a Justice of the Peace/magistrate, authorised CILEX fellows, and military commissioned officers. Abroad: British consular officers, and local notaries public in most countries. In Scotland there is no “Commissioner for Oaths” title — use a Scottish notary public or JP.

Anyone who is not independent: no family members, nobody named in or benefiting from the declaration, and — under s.1(3) of the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889 — not the solicitor acting for you in the underlying matter. Choose a local solicitor with no connection to your affairs.

You sign in front of the witness — never pre-sign. The witness checks your photo ID and proof of address, watches you sign, then completes the jurat with their signature, date and stamp. The fee is fixed by law at £5 plus £2 per exhibit; many solicitors charge only that, and JPs and county-court officers can witness free by appointment.

Physical presence is the norm and the safest route. Commercial remote video witnessing exists (around £55+VAT) but only works if the receiving organisation has confirmed it will accept it. When in doubt, sign in person. Prepare your document first with our £9.99 generator, and read the full cost breakdown.