> Source: https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-can-witness-a-statutory-declaration/ — last reviewed 22 August 2026. This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same content the page serves.

# Who Can Witness a Statutory Declaration in the UK?

Quick answer

A statutory declaration can be witnessed by a practising solicitor, a Commissioner for Oaths, a notary public or a Justice of the Peace. The witness must be independent — not a relative, not named in the declaration, and not the solicitor acting in the matter. The fee is fixed by law at £5, plus £2 per exhibit.

Checked by [Sarah Ellison](/author/sarah-ellison/), paralegal — last reviewed 22 August 2026

[Generate your declaration — £9.99](/start/statutory-declaration/)One-time payment. Yours forever. No subscription, ever.

## Who is authorised to witness?

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.

## Who must NOT witness my declaration?

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.

## What happens at the appointment?

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.

## Can it be witnessed over video?

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](/start/statutory-declaration/), and read the [full cost breakdown](/statutory-declaration-cost/).

## Sources and further reading

- [Commissioners for Oaths (Fees) Order 1993, SI 1993/2297](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1993/2297)
- [Statutory Declarations Act 1835 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Will4/5-6/62)

Good to know

## Frequently asked questions

### Can any solicitor witness my statutory declaration?+

Any practising solicitor can, for the statutory £5 fee — but not the solicitor who is acting for you in the underlying matter; the witness must be independent. Commissioners for Oaths, notaries public and magistrates can also witness.

### Can I sign the declaration before my appointment?+

No — never pre-sign. The whole point is that the witness watches you sign. You’ll sign in their presence, they’ll check your photo ID and proof of address, then complete the jurat with their signature, date and stamp.

### Can a family member witness my statutory declaration?+

No. The witness must be independent: not a relative, not named in or benefiting from the declaration, and not acting in the underlying matter. Use a local solicitor — £5 is the lawful maximum fee for the witnessing itself.

### Can my statutory declaration be witnessed over video call?+

Physical presence is the norm and the safest route. Remote video witnessing exists commercially (around £55+VAT) but only works if the organisation receiving your declaration has confirmed they’ll accept it. When in doubt, sign in person.

### I’m abroad. Who can witness my declaration?+

British consular officers can witness statutory declarations abroad, and local notaries public in most countries can too. If the declaration will be used overseas, you’ll typically also need an FCDO apostille — check with the receiving authority first.

### How do I find the cheapest witness near me?+

Search for local solicitors and ask their fee for witnessing a statutory declaration — many charge the statutory £5 and no more. Justices of the Peace and county-court officers can witness free by appointment. Bring photo ID and proof of address.