How to Get a Statutory Declaration Witnessed Online in the UK

A statutory declaration is a formal written statement that must be witnessed by an authorised person — usually a solicitor — who confirms you are signing it of your own free will. Until recently, this meant travelling to a solicitor's office. Today, you can get a statutory declaration witnessed online via a secure video call.

What is a statutory declaration?

A statutory declaration is a sworn written statement made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. It is used in a wide range of situations, including:

• Confirming a change of name
• Supporting a passport application
• Declaring the loss of important documents
• Providing evidence for insurance or legal claims
• Confirming identity for financial or property transactions

The declaration has no legal effect until it has been properly witnessed. Signing it before the witness is present invalidates it entirely.

Who can witness a statutory declaration in the UK?

Under UK law, a statutory declaration must be witnessed by one of the following:

• A solicitor
• A commissioner for oaths
• A notary public
• Certain court officers

A solicitor is the most commonly used option and the simplest to arrange.

Can a statutory declaration be witnessed via video call?

Yes. UK-qualified solicitors can legally witness statutory declarations via secure video call. The solicitor watches you sign the document live during the call, verifies your identity using photo ID, and countersigns as the witness.

This process is legally valid for the vast majority of purposes. However, you should always confirm with the authority or organisation receiving your declaration that they accept remotely witnessed documents before booking.

Step-by-step: how to get your declaration witnessed online

Step 1 — Prepare your document

Obtain the correct form for your purpose. Do not sign it yet. Signing before the solicitor is present means the declaration will need to be redone.

Step 2 — Book an appointment

Book a same-day or next-day video appointment at StatDec Hub. The fixed fee is £100 with no hidden charges.

Step 3 — Join the video call

At the scheduled time, join the secure video call. Have your unsigned declaration and valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) ready.

Step 4 — Sign in front of the solicitor

The solicitor will verify your identity, check your document, and watch you sign it live on camera. They then countersign as the witness.

Step 5 — Receive your witnessed document

You retain the original physical document — the one you signed during the call — as the witnessed original. No posting required.

How long does the process take?

Most appointments take between 10 and 20 minutes. Same-day appointments are typically available at no extra charge.

Is online witnessing legally accepted?

For the vast majority of UK purposes, yes. However, acceptance varies by jurisdiction and by the authority receiving the document. Always confirm with the relevant organisation before booking.

StatDec Hub does not provide legal advice on whether a remotely witnessed declaration will be accepted for your specific purpose. That verification is your responsibility.

Book your appointment

Same-day appointments are available at a fixed fee of £100. Book now.