STATUTORY DECLARATION SOLICITOR IN LONDON
Statutory declarations witnessed and drafted by SRA-regulated solicitors at our High Holborn and Upton Park offices.
A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that you formally declare to be true in front of a solicitor or other authorised person. Adam Bernard Solicitors witnesses and drafts statutory declarations in London. Call 0207 100 2525 to arrange an appointment.
What is a statutory declaration?
A statutory declaration is a formal written statement in which you solemnly declare that the facts it contains are true. It is made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 and is used where a sworn affidavit is not required but an organisation needs stronger evidence than a simple letter.
Unlike an affidavit, a statutory declaration is not sworn on oath. It is declared before an authorised witness. It is still a serious legal document: knowingly making a false statement in a statutory declaration is a criminal offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Statutory declaration, affidavit or statement of truth?
- Statutory declaration: declared (not sworn) before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. Used for non-court evidence such as passports, HM Land Registry, banks and penalty charge notices.
- Affidavit: sworn on oath or affirmed before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. Mainly used in court proceedings.
- Statement of truth: signed without a witness. Used in court documents and many HM Land Registry forms.
Always use the format the requesting organisation asks for. If it does not specify, we can advise.
Who can witness a statutory declaration in the UK?
In England and Wales, a statutory declaration must be made in front of a person authorised to administer oaths. This includes any solicitor with a current practising certificate, a Commissioner for Oaths, a notary public, a Justice of the Peace and certain court officers.
- Solicitors with a practising certificate – Solicitors Act 1974, section 81
- Commissioners for Oaths – Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889
- Other authorised persons – Legal Services Act 2007, section 183
- Notaries public, Justices of the Peace and certain court officers
Who cannot witness it: a friend, relative or colleague who is not authorised, and any solicitor or commissioner who acts for a party in the matter or has an interest in it. The law requires the witness to be independent. If we already act for you in that matter, we will arrange for an independent solicitor to witness your declaration.
In Scotland the rules differ, and declarations are usually made before a notary public or Justice of the Peace.
How much does a statutory declaration cost?
The fee a solicitor can charge for witnessing a statutory declaration is fixed by law under the Commissioners for Oaths (Fees) Order 1993. If you need help drafting or reviewing your declaration, we will give you a clear quote before any work begins.
- Witnessing a statutory declaration: fixed fee set by law
- Marking each exhibit or schedule: fixed fee set by law
- Drafting or reviewing your declaration: quoted before we start
When do you need a statutory declaration?
You need a statutory declaration when an organisation, court or government body asks for formal written evidence of a fact and no better document exists. Common examples include:
- Changing your name: HM Passport Office accepts a statutory declaration, deed poll or affidavit as evidence of a name change (GOV.UK).
- Gender Recognition Certificate applications: every applicant must make a statutory declaration (GOV.UK).
- Property and HM Land Registry matters: such as adverse possession, lost title deeds or rights of way. HM Land Registry accepts a statutory declaration as an alternative to a statement of truth (Practice guide 73). See our conveyancing solicitors.
- Penalty charge notices: certain London bus lane and moving traffic PCNs are challenged at the Traffic Enforcement Centre on form PE3 (GOV.UK forms). Read our guide to a statutory declaration for a parking ticket.
- Immigration and family matters: confirming relationships, cohabitation, sponsorship or identity. See our immigration solicitors and family law solicitors.
- Estates, banks and lost documents: confirming facts about a deceased person, a lost will or missing certificates. See our wills and probate service.
How to make a statutory declaration with us
- Check the format. Ask the organisation whether it provides its own form, for example HM Passport Office, the Traffic Enforcement Centre or HM Land Registry.
- Prepare the wording. Write the facts in numbered paragraphs. We can draft or review it for you by phone or video beforehand.
- Bring photo ID, such as a passport or photocard driving licence, and any exhibits referred to in the declaration.
- Do not sign in advance. You must sign in front of the solicitor, who will confirm your identity and ask you to declare that the contents are true.
- The solicitor signs and stamps it, recording the date and place as required by section 5 of the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889. You leave with the completed original.
Statutory declaration solicitors near you in London
We witness statutory declarations in person at two London offices:
- Central London (High Holborn): Chancery Station House, 33 High Holborn, London WC1V 6AX, close to Chancery Lane and Holborn stations.
- East London (Upton Park): 25 Barking Road, London E6 1PW, serving Newham, Stratford, East Ham, Barking and Ilford. Open Saturdays 10am–2pm.
Call 0207 100 2525 to book an appointment. For certified copies and attestations, see our Commissioner for Oaths services.
Why choose Adam Bernard Solicitors?
- SRA-regulated solicitors listed on the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor directory.
- 15 years in practice and 15,000+ clients across immigration, family, property and civil matters, so we know what the receiving organisation needs to see.
- Drafting, not just signing: we check your wording so your declaration is accepted first time.
- Two London offices with Saturday appointments in East London.
This page is for general information and does not constitute legal advice.
Statutory Declaration FAQs
Who can sign a statutory declaration in the UK?
How much does a solicitor charge to witness a statutory declaration?
Can a friend or family member witness a statutory declaration?
Can my own solicitor witness my statutory declaration?
Do I need to bring ID?
What happens if I make a false statutory declaration?
Is a statutory declaration the same as a deed poll?
Can I make a statutory declaration online or by video?
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