About making a statutory declaration with a witness

What if I can’t sign the declaration?

If you are the person making the statutory declaration, you have to be the person to sign it. You can make another mark (like an ‘X’) in place of a signature if you are:

● unable to read

● visually impaired or blind

● physically unable to sign.

If you cannot read or are visually impaired or blind, your prescribed person must:

● read the statutory declaration aloud or have the document read aloud to you in their presence

● be satisfied that you have understood what was read aloud

● certify on the statutory declaration:

- that the statutory declaration was read aloud to you

- they are satisfied that you have understood what was read aloud.

Your witness must then write next to the mark you have made:

'I, being the person before whom this statutory declaration is made, certify that this mark was placed by [declarant's full name] on this statutory declaration in my presence.'

Options for electronic signatures

When signing a statutory declaration, both you and the prescribed person have the option to use an electronic signature or a traditional 'wet ink' (pen) signature. There are several ways to include an electronic signature in the Microsoft Word or PDF versions of the form, such as:

● Pasting an image of your handwritten signature

● Creating an electronic signature using the 'draw function' in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat

● Utilising a program or software that supports electronic signatures, like Adobe or DocuSign

● Typing your name into the signature section

If you're uncertain how to add an electronic signature, the internet offers a number of helpful resources and guidance for incorporating them into Microsoft Word and PDF documents.

Can the witness and declarant sign at different times?

The declarant and witness should sign and complete their respective sections and return the completed statutory declaration to the declarant in the same space of time.

This should be in the course or a single in-person visit or video call.

I’m an prescribed person, where do I find more information on my role as witness?

Visit information for prescribed persons for further information and frequently asked questions.

Recordkeeping

The BidCarbon (Carbon Farming) Standard 2025 does not require any party to record the witnessing of a statutory declaration.

You may choose to record the conversation if you wish, or if required under other legislation. However, you must have both parties’ permission to do so.