Statutory Declaration Canada Template
A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts that you sign in front of an authorized witness — a commissioner for oaths, notary public, or justice of the peace — declaring it true. It carries the same legal weight as sworn testimony, without needing a courtroom. Canadians use them for name changes, proof of identity, immigration matters, and pension claims. Here's when you need one and how to prepare it correctly.
What is a statutory declaration?
Under the Canada Evidence Act and provincial equivalents, a statutory declaration is a solemn written statement. You write the facts, then sign it before an authorized official who confirms your identity and witnesses the signature. Making a false declaration is a criminal offence — which is exactly why institutions trust them.
It differs from an affidavit mainly in context: affidavits are typically for court proceedings, while statutory declarations serve administrative and out-of-court purposes.
Common uses in Canada
Canadians most often need statutory declarations for:
- Name changes and correcting errors on identity documents.
- Proof of common-law relationships for pensions and benefits.
- Immigration and citizenship applications.
- Lost or destroyed documents — share certificates, titles, receipts.
- Pension and insurance claims requiring proof of facts.
- Travel consent matters formalized as declarations.
Who can witness it?
The declaration must be signed in front of a commissioner for oaths, notary public, justice of the peace, or another official authorized in your province. Many ServiceOntario/Service Canada locations, law offices, and municipal offices offer commissioning — often for a small fee or free. Do not sign the document before the appointment: the whole point is that the witness sees you sign.
What it must contain
A valid Canadian statutory declaration includes:
- Your full legal name and address.
- A numbered list of the facts you are declaring — clear, specific, and in your own knowledge.
- The standard closing: that you make the declaration conscientiously believing it true, knowing it has the same force as if made under oath.
- Place and date of signing.
- Your signature, plus the witness's signature, printed name, title, and commission expiry.
Mistakes that get declarations rejected
Institutions reject declarations for predictable reasons: facts stated vaguely ('I believe the document was lost around last year'), signing before seeing the witness, missing witness credentials, or declaring things the person couldn't actually know. Stick to facts within your personal knowledge, be precise about dates, and bring valid photo ID to the appointment.
Create yours in 3 steps
State your facts
Choose the declaration's purpose and write the facts in plain language — guided prompts keep them specific.
Add witness blocks
Commissioner/notary signature blocks are included automatically, in English or French.
Download, then sign before a witness
Download when ready. Print it unsigned and sign it at your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a statutory declaration and an affidavit?+
Both are sworn written statements. Affidavits are generally used in court proceedings; statutory declarations are used for administrative and out-of-court purposes. The format and legal weight are very similar.
Do I need a lawyer to make one?+
No. You need an authorized witness — a commissioner for oaths, notary, or justice of the peace. Many offer walk-in commissioning for a small fee.
Can I sign it at home and bring it in?+
No. The witness must see you sign. Print the declaration unsigned and sign it during the appointment.
What ID do I need?+
Bring valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport. The witness must verify your identity.
Is a false statutory declaration a crime?+
Yes. Knowingly making a false statutory declaration is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Can I make one in French?+
Yes — statutory declarations are accepted in French across Canada, and in Quebec French is the norm. Our tool generates both languages.
Create your statutory declaration
Purpose-built templates with witness blocks, in English or French.
Start my declarationReview your draft and download it in Word or PDF when you're ready.
Related documents
This page is general information about Canadian law, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different — have a licensed lawyer in your province review your document before you rely on it.