Statutory Declarations

1800 Notary is Canada's National Notary Public Company

Toronto Location

6101A Yonge St.

North York, ON M2M 3W2

(416) 915 0051

Thornhill Location

7620 Yonge St. Unit 100

Thornhill, ON L4J 1V9

(416) 915 0050

Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration is a formal written statement in which the declarant affirms the truth of specific facts before signing the document. Unlike an affidavit, it is not sworn under oath but rather “declared” as accurate, requiring a witness such as a justice of the peace, lawyer, notary public, or other authorized official. For most people, the distinction between a statutory declaration and an affidavit is minimal in practical terms. However, providing false information in either document is a punishable offense.

Statutory Declarations

Statutory Declarations are often provided in standardized formats, particularly in government-issued forms. However, there are instances where you may need to draft the Declaration yourself. In such cases, you might have the option to use either an affidavit or a Statutory Declaration, allowing you to select the wording that best suits your needs. Below, you will find examples of the phrasing used for administering an Oath, Affirmation, or Statutory Declaration.

If you require a declaration as proof of your relationship or marital status, please fill out the relevant form:

Administering Oaths, Affirmations, and Statutory Declarations

When a notary public or commissioner of oaths administers an oath, the individual making the statement (the deponent) must confirm the truth of their affidavit by responding to:
“Do you swear that the contents of this affidavit, as signed by you, are true, so help you God?”
For those who prefer not to take a religious oath, they may instead affirm by answering ‘yes’ to:
“Do you solemnly affirm and declare that the contents of this affidavit, as signed by you, are true?”
If a statutory declaration is required instead of an affidavit, the deponent must positively confirm:
“Do you make this solemn declaration, conscientiously believing it to be true and acknowledging that it carries the same force and effect as if made under oath?”
In all instances, the deponent must appear in person before the notary public or commissioner of oaths and provide valid proof of identity. Misrepresenting the truth in an affidavit or statutory declaration is a criminal offence in every Canadian jurisdiction.