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

An affidavit is sworn on oath and used primarily in court proceedings. A statutory declaration is declared (not sworn) and is more commonly used for administrative purposes. Both are legally serious documents.

Who can witness a statutory declaration?

A solicitor, commissioner for oaths, notary public, or justice of the peace. The person must be independent and have no personal interest in the matter.

How much does it cost?

A commissioner for oaths typically charges a small fee per declaration (around £5 for the declaration plus £2 per exhibit). Solicitors may charge more. Some organisations offer the service free of charge.

Can I use a statutory declaration to change my name?

Yes. A UK statutory declaration of name change is one method of changing your name in England and Wales, alongside a deed poll. Some British organisations accept either; others prefer one over the other.

What happens if I make a false statutory declaration?

It is a criminal offence under the UK Perjury Act 1911. You could face prosecution and imprisonment in England and Wales. Always ensure every statement in your British statutory declaration is true and accurate.

Can I make a statutory declaration online?

The declaration itself can be drafted online, but it must be signed in person before an authorised person. Remote or electronic execution is not currently permitted for statutory declarations.

Is a UK statutory declaration valid outside England and Wales?

It depends on the jurisdiction. Some countries and organisations accept UK statutory declarations made under English law; others may require their own British or local form. Check with the receiving body.

How long is a statutory declaration valid?

There is no general expiry date. However, some organisations may require a declaration made within a certain period (e.g. the last three or six months). Check with the body requesting it.

Personal & LegalUnited Kingdom

Free Statutory Declaration Template

A statutory declaration is a formal written statement of facts that is declared to be true before a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, or other authorised person. It is used across England and Wales for legal, official, and administrative purposes.

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STATUTORY DECLARATION

Statutory Declarations Act 1835 · United Kingdom

DECLARANT

FULL NAME	Margaret Anne Williams
ADDRESS	14 Victoria Road, Birmingham, B1 1BD
OCCUPATION	Retired Teacher
DATE OF BIRTH	1958-03-22
NATIONALITY	British

DECLARATION

PURPOSE	lost or destroyed document
DATE OF DECLARATION	2026-03-15
PLACE OF DECLARATION	Birmingham
STATUTORY BASIS	Statutory Declarations Act 1835, section 1

I, Margaret Anne Williams, of 14 Victoria Road, Birmingham, B1 1BD, Retired Teacher, born on 1958-03-22, a British national, DO SOLEMNLY AND SINCERELY DECLARE AS FOLLOWS:

STATEMENT OF FACTS (1)

I am the person named Margaret Anne Williams and I reside at 14 Victoria Road, Birmingham B1 1BD. I have resided at this address continuously since 15 September 2018.

STATEMENT OF FACTS (2)

I lost my original birth certificate (issued by Birmingham Register Office, registration number BM-1958-03-2241) during a house move in approximately June 2020. Despite conducting a thorough search of my belongings and enquiring with the removal company (Shires Removals Ltd, based in Erdington), I have been unable to locate the original document.

STATEMENT OF FACTS (3)

I require a replacement birth certificate for the purpose of renewing my passport with HM Passport Office (application reference HMPO-2026-0031).

SOLEMN CLOSING

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.

WARNING – PERJURY ACT 1911 S.5

I understand that wilfully making a statement in a statutory declaration which I know to be false or do not believe to be true is an offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911, punishable on conviction on indictment with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years, or with a fine, or with both. I make this declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true.

STATEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF

The facts stated in this declaration are within my own knowledge, save where otherwise stated to be made on information and belief. Where any fact is stated to be on information or belief, I identify the source of that information, and I believe the fact stated to be true.

ATTESTATION BY SOLICITOR

DECLARED at Birmingham this 2026-03-15 before me, David R. Henderson, of Henderson and Partners Solicitors, 3 Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5LG (regulatory reference: SRA 123456), being a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales empowered by section 81 of the Solicitors Act 1974 to administer oaths and statutory declarations. I confirm that the declarant appeared before me in person, that I am satisfied as to their identity, that they signed this declaration in my presence, and that they understood the nature of a statutory declaration and the consequences under the Perjury Act 1911 of making a false statement.

INDEPENDENCE OF TAKER

I, the person before whom this declaration is made, confirm that I have no interest in the subject matter of this declaration and that I am not a party to, nor a representative of any party to, any proceedings in which this declaration may be used. I have not advised the declarant on the contents of this declaration.

DECLARANT

Margaret Anne Williams

Date: ____________________

SOLICITOR

David R. Henderson

Date: ____________________

What Is a Statutory Declaration?

A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts that the declarant signs and solemnly declares to be true before an authorised person, such as a solicitor or commissioner for oaths. It is governed by the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 and is a serious legal document — making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence.

Statutory declarations are commonly used to confirm a change of name, establish facts for legal proceedings, support applications to government bodies, or replace lost documents. They carry more weight than a simple written statement because the declarant makes them under a legal penalty for dishonesty.

Unlike an affidavit (which is sworn on oath), a UK statutory declaration is "declared" rather than "sworn." In practice, both carry similar legal weight under English law, but statutory declarations are more commonly used outside of court proceedings in England and Wales and are the standard choice for British administrative purposes.

What's Covered in This Template

Our statutory declaration template follows the format prescribed by the Statutory Declarations Act 1835:

Declarant Details

Full name, address, and occupation of the person making the declaration.

Statement of Facts

Numbered paragraphs setting out the facts being declared.

Exhibits

References to any documents or evidence attached to the declaration.

Declaration Wording

The prescribed statutory wording confirming the truth of the statement.

Date and Place

When and where the declaration is made.

Declarant Signature

The signature of the person making the declaration.

Authorised Person Details

Name, qualification, and signature of the solicitor or commissioner for oaths.

Jurat

The formal certification by the authorised person that the declaration was properly made.

How to Create a Statutory Declaration

Follow these steps to produce a valid statutory declaration:

1
Identify the Purpose
Determine why you need the statutory declaration — name change, lost documents, confirming facts for an application — and what facts need to be stated.
2
Draft the Statement
Set out the facts in clear, numbered paragraphs. Be precise and factual. Attach any supporting documents as exhibits.
3
Use the Prescribed Wording
The declaration must include the statutory form of words from the Statutory Declarations Act 1835: "I solemnly and sincerely declare..."
4
Attend Before an Authorised Person
Take the completed document to a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, or justice of the peace. They will check your identity, watch you sign, and add their own certification.
5
Keep Copies
Store the original safely and make copies for your records. Send certified copies rather than originals wherever possible.

Legal Considerations

Statutory declarations in England and Wales are governed by specific legislation and carry criminal penalties for false statements.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Reviewed for England & Wales law

Statutory Declarations Act 1835

The UK Statutory Declarations Act 1835 provides the legal basis for statutory declarations in England and Wales. It prescribes the form of words that British declarants must use and establishes who can administer declarations under English law.

Criminal Penalties

Making a false UK statutory declaration is a criminal offence under section 6 of the UK Perjury Act 1911. The penalty in England and Wales can include imprisonment. The British declarant should ensure that every statement in the declaration is true and accurate.

Who Can Administer

A UK statutory declaration must be made before a British solicitor, commissioner for oaths, notary public, or justice of the peace. The authorised person in England and Wales must be independent — they should not be a party to the matter or have a personal interest in it.

Difference from Affidavits

An affidavit is sworn on oath (or affirmed) under English law and is typically used in UK court proceedings. A statutory declaration is declared rather than sworn and is more commonly used for British administrative or non-court purposes in England and Wales. Both carry legal penalties for falsehood.

Frequently Asked Questions

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