Key Takeaways
- Statutory declarations are legally binding written statements that must be signed in front of an authorised solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths to be valid in the UK.
- UK law requires that a solicitor witnesses your statutory declaration to confirm your identity and ensure the declaration is being made voluntarily.
- Without a properly witnessed statutory declaration, your document may be rejected by authorities, causing legal delays or issues.
- Fast ILA makes the process simple by offering remote, fixed-fee statutory declaration witnessing via secure video call appointments, usually available at short notice.
- You must provide suitable ID and the completed statutory declaration form during your Fast ILA appointment to comply with UK legal standards.
- Using Fast ILA ensures your statutory declaration is correctly witnessed by an SRA-regulated solicitor who understands the Statutory Declarations Act 1835.
- Fast ILA is rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 140 five-star reviews and a 4.9/5 rating from satisfied clients.
Need your statutory declaration witnessed by an SRA-regulated solicitor? Book your secure, remote, fixed-fee appointment today—call 0207 459 4037 or use our online booking form now.
Statutory Declaration UK Explained: Who Signs and How Does Witnessing Work?
Statutory declarations are crucial legal documents in the UK, only valid if signed in the presence of an authorised witness—most commonly, a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. If you skip the proper witnessing process, official bodies may reject your declaration, leading to frustrating and costly delays.
You must understand what a statutory declaration is, who can validly sign and witness it, and why the law requires a solicitor witness. Each step matters to ensure your paperwork gets accepted first time. With new remote witnessing techniques, an SRA-regulated solicitor can now certify your declaration without you leaving your home.
By following the process and using a trusted online service, getting your statutory declaration witnessed is straightforward and stress-free.
What is a Statutory Declaration in the UK and When Do You Need One?
A statutory declaration is a formal, legal statement by which you affirm facts to be true. Unlike a sworn affidavit (which is made under oath), a statutory declaration is a solemn affirmation made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. Statutory declarations are widely used when no other formal evidence exists or to satisfy legal or procedural requirements.
Situations where a statutory declaration may be required in England and Wales include:
- Official name changes for identification documents
- Replacing lost official documents (such as share certificates)
- Verifying identity or residence status for visas or immigration
- Property matters, like clarifying breaks in land title or establishing first-time buyer status
- Responding to requests for confirmation from banks, HMRC, the Passport Office, or educational institutions
When you make a statutory declaration, you are personally responsible for the truth of its contents. Your SRA-regulated solicitor at Fast ILA guarantees you understand this responsibility, the consequences of false declarations, and that your document is accepted as lawful evidence.
Clarity, accuracy, and compliance are essential at every stage to avoid setbacks.
Who Can Sign and Witness a Statutory Declaration in the UK?
You, as the declarant, must sign your statutory declaration in the presence of an authorised witness. UK law restricts who may act as a statutory declaration witness—friends and family members cannot fulfil this role.
Permitted witnesses in England and Wales include:
- SRA-regulated solicitors (the most widely accepted)
- Commissioners for Oaths
- Notaries Public (primarily for overseas use)
- Magistrates (in special cases)
Selecting an SRA-regulated solicitor as your witness ensures your statutory declaration meets strict legal requirements and maximises the likelihood of official acceptance. Using an unqualified witness almost always results in delay, rejection, and the need to redo paperwork.
By choosing one of our experienced solicitors at Fast ILA, you remove the guesswork and ensure your declaration is witnessed to the highest standard.
Why Must a Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths Witness Your Statutory Declaration?
Legal authorities in the UK require statutory declarations to be witnessed by an authorised person for one central reason: to prevent fraud and confirm your voluntary understanding of the declaration’s contents. This safeguard is set by the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 and upheld by bodies from the Passport Office to the Land Registry.
Your Fast ILA solicitor’s role is to:
- Check your identity is correct
- Ensure you fully understand the declaration content and implications
- Confirm you are signing voluntarily, without coercion
- Witness your signature and formally endorse the declaration
A properly witnessed statutory declaration from an SRA-regulated solicitor is accepted by all major UK institutions. Our solicitors guide you through every requirement to ensure your document is completed and witnessed correctly on the first attempt.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Statutory Declaration Witnessed Remotely with Fast ILA
Getting your statutory declaration witnessed is now more convenient, secure, and accessible than ever. Fast ILA’s remote process removes the need for travel or waiting at busy law offices.
1. Booking Your Secure Video Appointment
- Visit our statutory declaration service page to select your date and time (including same-day availability)
- Make a secure online payment (fixed fee from £60 + VAT)
- Receive an instant booking confirmation and instructions for next steps
2. Preparing and Uploading Your Documents
- Have your draft statutory declaration ready (if unsure about the format, our solicitors can help)
- Prepare your valid photo ID (such as a passport, UK driving licence, or BRP)
- Upload your draft declaration and ID securely to our online portal before your video call
Being organised ensures a smooth session and fast turnaround.
3. Attending Your Live Video Witnessing
- Join your scheduled video call using a secure link
- One of our SRA-regulated solicitors will verify your ID and confirm your understanding of the document’s contents
- At the solicitor’s direction, sign your declaration live on camera so your signature is properly witnessed
Your solicitor can answer last-minute questions or clarify unclear points, so you feel completely confident in your declaration.
4. Receiving Your Endorsed Declaration
- Your Fast ILA solicitor will formally endorse, stamp, and sign the document
- The witnessed statutory declaration is returned to you by secure email, often the very same day
- Your document will carry all legally required endorsements for immediate submission to your chosen authority
No printing, no posting, and no uncertainty—just prompt, compliant legal certification.
What Documents and ID Will You Need for Your Statutory Declaration Appointment?
Thorough preparation is key to making your appointment efficient and successful. The documents and identification you need include:
- A valid photo ID:
- Passport (UK or international)
- UK driving licence (photocard)
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- The draft statutory declaration (with the legally required wording)
- Any supporting documents relevant to your declaration’s purpose:
- For name changes: Deed poll, marriage certificate
- For lost documents: Any explanation letters or references
- Application reference numbers or paperwork from the requesting organisation
Checklist:
- Draft, unsigned statutory declaration
- Valid photo ID
- Supporting evidence, if required
- Details of the requestor or purpose for the declaration
Preparation ensures your session is seamless and your declaration is fully compliant.
Common Pitfalls and Mistakes When Making a Statutory Declaration in the UK
Avoiding typical mistakes saves time, money, and hassle—incorrectly executed statutory declarations are a prime source of rejected applications and delays.
Frequent errors include:
- Signing your declaration before your appointment (invalidates the document)
- Using outdated or incorrect statutory wording
- Providing insufficient or expired ID
- Asking a friend or family member to witness (not permitted in the UK)
- Omitting vital supporting documents or not following the requestor’s specific instructions
False or incorrect statutory declarations can also have serious legal consequences, so expert solicitor oversight is essential.
Our team at Fast ILA ensures your declaration meets every requirement, eliminating common risks and giving you total confidence in your paperwork.
What Does It Cost to Have a Statutory Declaration Witnessed and How Fast Can It Be Done?
Statutory declaration witnessing with Fast ILA is transparent, fixed-fee, and designed for urgent needs:
- Fixed fee: From £60 + VAT (includes video appointment and full solicitor endorsement)
- No hidden extras: Single secure payment covers the complete service
- Fast turnaround: Same-day and express service slots available
High-street law firms often charge more and may not be able to offer prompt appointments, especially for same-day requirements. With our online service, you save time and money while receiving SRA-regulated legal certification.
Ready to secure your statutory declaration? Book your remote appointment with our solicitors and receive fast, compliant certification.
Is a Remote or Online Witnessing of Statutory Declarations Accepted by UK Authorities?
The acceptance of remote witnessing has grown rapidly since 2020. Virtually all major authorities—including HM Passport Office, banks, the Land Registry, HMRC, universities, and insurers—now accept statutory declarations witnessed via secure video link by an SRA-regulated solicitor.
A small minority of courts or specialist regulators may specify in-person witnessing. Always check with your requestor if unsure, but in most cases, remote statutory declaration certificates and endorsements are fully valid for online or paper submissions.
All Fast ILA solicitors are SRA-regulated, and our process follows legal best practices and authority guidance for remote statutory declaration witnessing.
The Fast ILA Advantage: Our Approach to Your Statutory Declaration ILA
Our team of SRA-regulated solicitors delivers a statutory declaration service that is modern, secure, and designed for your convenience:
- Fast, fixed fees from £60 + VAT
- Same-day and urgent appointments for tight deadlines
- 100% remote appointments—no travel, scanning, or printing required
- Secure, legally compliant video witnessing and ID checks
- Lawyer-endorsed, stamped, and certified declarations—accepted nationwide
- Client support and guidance on statutory declaration drafting and evidence
- Over 140 verified 5-star reviews on Trustpilot—clients regularly praise our efficiency and clarity
For peace of mind and the quickest route to a compliant statutory declaration, trust our experienced online solicitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about ILA for Statutory Declarations
How quickly can I have my statutory declaration witnessed online?
You can book and complete your statutory declaration appointment with us within hours on most days, with same-day slots widely available. Your endorsed document is typically sent to you the very same day.
What forms of ID will I need for my statutory declaration appointment?
Acceptable ID is a passport (UK or international), photocard UK driving licence, or Biometric Residence Permit. Please have ID available (physically or as a clear scan/photo) for your appointment.
Can I use Fast ILA’s remote witnessing for statutory declarations anywhere in the UK?
Yes—our secure online service is available across England & Wales, and is accepted by virtually all major institutions and authorities.
Is an online statutory declaration accepted by the Passport Office, HMRC, or banks?
Most UK authorities and requestors now accept statutory declarations witnessed remotely by SRA-regulated solicitors. If you have doubts, check with your requestor, but remote endorsement is official and widespread.
Can I sign my statutory declaration before the appointment?
No. You must only sign your declaration live and on camera, while attended by your solicitor. Signing beforehand will invalidate your document.
What’s the difference between a statutory declaration and a sworn affidavit?
A statutory declaration is a solemn affirmation, not given under oath, whereas an affidavit requires oath-taking—affidavits are usually for court matters.
How do I know if my statutory declaration wording is correct?
The statutory declaration must use precise wording set by the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. Our solicitor can advise or amend your draft to guarantee compliance.
What happens if my statutory declaration isn’t witnessed correctly?
It may be rejected by the requesting authority, causing delays and possible extra charges. Our process ensures all legal requirements are met, reducing the risk of refusal.
How much does a solicitor charge for witnessing a statutory declaration in the UK?
With us, remote statutory declaration witnessing starts from £60 + VAT, typically lower than many high-street options and much faster for time-sensitive needs.
Can a family member or friend witness my statutory declaration?
No. Only SRA-regulated solicitors, Commissioners for Oaths, or notaries can legally witness in the UK. Non-qualified witnesses will invalidate your declaration.
Book Your Statutory Declaration ILA with an SRA-Regulated Solicitor
Getting your statutory declaration properly witnessed is essential for acceptance by UK organisations. Our remote, fixed-fee service connects you with SRA-regulated solicitors for fast, compliant, and fully remote certification—often with same-day turnaround. With clear instructions, excellent support, and a proven track record, our statutory declaration appointments offer you the expertise and peace of mind you need.
Call us on 0207 459 4037 or book your fixed-fee remote statutory declaration witness appointment using our online form today.
Karim Oualnan, Partner
Client Success Stories
