What is the difference between a statutory declaration and an affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement sworn on oath (or affirmed), typically used in court proceedings and governed by the Civil Procedure Rules. A statutory declaration is a written statement declared to be true under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835, but is not sworn on oath. Both carry criminal penalties for false statements, but they are used in different contexts. Affidavits are primarily for court proceedings, while statutory declarations are for administrative and non-court purposes.

Who can witness a statutory declaration?

A statutory declaration must be made before a practising solicitor, a commissioner for oaths, a notary public, or a justice of the peace. Unlike a deed poll, it cannot be witnessed by an ordinary member of the public. Most solicitors will administer a statutory declaration for a fee of approximately £5 to £20.

What happens if I make a false statutory declaration?

Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under section 6 of the Perjury Act 1911. The maximum penalty is two years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. You should only include statements that you honestly believe to be true and that are within your personal knowledge.

Can I use a statutory declaration to change my name?

Yes, a statutory declaration is one of the methods for legally changing your name in the UK. However, for most purposes a deed poll is simpler and does not require a solicitor. Some organisations (particularly overseas institutions) may specifically request a statutory declaration rather than a deed poll.

How much does it cost to make a statutory declaration?

The statutory declaration itself is free — you can prepare it using this template at no cost. However, you will need to pay a solicitor or commissioner for oaths to witness the declaration. The typical fee is between £5 and £20. Some Citizens Advice bureaux may be able to help you find a commissioner for oaths.

Is a statutory declaration valid throughout the UK?

Yes. The Statutory Declarations Act 1835 applies throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, if you are using the statutory declaration for a purpose in another country, you should check whether the receiving country has specific requirements — you may need to have the declaration notarised or apostilled.

Free Statutory Declaration Template

A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that is signed and declared to be true in the presence of a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, or other authorised person.

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Personal Information

Full Name of Declarant*

Address*

Occupation*

Declaration

Declaration Text*

State only facts within your personal knowledge. Use numbered paragraphs for clarity.

execution

Date of Declaration*

commissioner

Commissioner / Solicitor Name*

The person before whom you will make the declaration (solicitor, commissioner for oaths, notary public or JP).

Commissioner / Solicitor Address

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STATUTORY DECLARATION (Statutory Declarations Act 1835) I, [declarantName], of [declarantAddress], [occupation], do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows: [declarationText] And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. Declared at ___________________________ on this [date] ___________________________ [declarantName] (Declarant) Before me: ___________________________ [commissionerName] A Solicitor / Commissioner for Oaths / Notary Public / Justice of the Peace

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

This statutory declaration follows the form prescribed by the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 (c.62). The declaration must be made in the presence of a practising solicitor, commissioner for oaths, notary public, or justice of the peace. Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under section 6 of the Perjury Act 1911, punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years and/or a fine. In Scotland, statutory declarations are governed by the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 as applied by the Scotland Act 1998. Some purposes may require a specific form of statutory declaration — check with the requesting organisation.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Templates

Statutory Declaration of Name Change Deed Poll (Name Change)Affidavit Template