Your client needs a statutory declaration for a passport application by Wednesday. They've drafted the substance in Word, but the formatting's off, there's no signing block, and the solicitor wants a clean PDF before the appointment.
A stat dec isn't complicated, but it's strict. Get the format right and the appointment takes ten minutes.
The required wording
A statutory declaration must contain the prescribed opening ("I [name] of [address] do solemnly and sincerely declare that...") and closing ("and I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835"). The body — the facts being declared — sits between these. Without the prescribed wording, the document isn't a valid stat dec.
Drafting in Word, exporting to PDF
Draft the declaration in Word, including a clear signing block at the bottom (signature line for declarant, signature line for solicitor, date, place of declaration). Then convert Word to PDF for a clean, fixed-format version that won't reflow on the solicitor's screen. Don't print to PDF from Word — export properly to avoid tracked changes leaking through.
Signing on the day
The declarant signs in front of a solicitor or commissioner for oaths, who countersigns. This is one of the few legal documents where wet ink is still the norm — many commissioners won't accept an e-signed stat dec. Bring the printed PDF to the appointment. Some commissioners will also accept a freshly signed PDF uploaded via tablet, but check ahead.
After signing
Scan the signed declaration to PDF as soon as you can — most phones have a built-in document scanner. If you need to circulate a digital copy, use image to PDF to combine multi-page scans into one file, and compress PDF for emailing. Keep the wet-ink original in a safe place; many institutions still want sight of it.
FAQ
Can a statutory declaration be e-signed?
In practice, no — most commissioners require wet ink. Some jurisdictions are starting to accept tablet-signed declarations in person, but check ahead with your commissioner.
Who can witness a stat dec?
A solicitor, notary public, commissioner for oaths, or in some cases a Justice of the Peace. The witness must be independent of the matter being declared.
How much does swearing cost?
Typically £5–£10 for the declaration plus £2 per exhibit at a high street solicitor. Some commissioners charge more for complex declarations.
Can I draft a stat dec myself?
Yes — the wording is prescribed, but the substance is yours to draft. For complex matters, have a solicitor review the substance before swearing.
A statutory declaration is one of the simplest legal documents, but only if you get the format right. Convert your Word draft cleanly, bring it to the appointment, and the swearing is the easy part.