If an employer, school, insurer or government office has asked you for a “statutory declaration,” you are not alone in wondering what that actually means. It is one of the most common documents we commission at Crown Seal Notary, and the process is simpler than the name suggests.
The short answer
A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts that you solemnly declare to be true, in front of an authorized person such as a commissioner for taking affidavits or a notary public. It is used when an organization needs a formal, reliable statement from you but a court is not involved.
In Canada, statutory declarations are made under federal law (the Canada Evidence Act) or provincial law, depending on who will receive the document. The form you are given will usually indicate which applies.
Common reasons people need one
- replacing a lost or damaged document such as a diploma;
- confirming a relationship, such as a common-law partnership;
- confirming your address, marital status or identity;
- supporting an immigration, pension, insurance or benefits application;
- confirming that a gift or transfer was made without payment.
What makes it “solemn”
You are not taking an oath in a courtroom, but a statutory declaration still carries legal weight. When you make one, you declare that the contents are true and that you understand the declaration has the same force and effect as if made under oath. Making a false declaration can have serious legal consequences.
How the appointment works
- You bring the declaration completed but unsigned, along with valid photo ID.
- We confirm your identity and ask you to solemnly declare that the contents are true.
- You sign in front of us, and we sign and apply our stamp.
We do not decide what your declaration should say, and we do not verify the facts. If you are unsure about the content, check with the organization that asked for it.
Start with a template
If you have not been given a specific form, our free statutory declaration template is a good starting point.
Related reading
- Free template: Statutory Declaration
- Affidavit vs. statutory declaration
- Lost or damaged diploma? Statutory declarations for replacements
- IMM 5409 common-law declarations
- Statutory declarations for lost or stolen documents
Book with Crown Seal Notary
Crown Seal Notary serves Hamilton and the surrounding area seven days a week. In-office appointments are available at 21 King St W, 5th Floor, and our mobile service comes to your home, workplace, hospital or care home. To book, call 289-207-0851, email info@csnotary.org, or book online. You can also browse all of our services or read our FAQs.
Please note: Crown Seal Notary provides notarization and commissioning services only. We do not provide legal, immigration or financial advice, and we cannot tell you what to write in your document. If you are unsure which document you need, please check with the organization that asked for it or speak with a lawyer or licensed paralegal.
