About statutory declarations

A statutory declaration is a written statement that you (the declarant) sign and declare to be true and correct in the presence of an authorised witness.

By signing it, you agree that the information in it is true. You can be charged with a criminal offence if the information is false.

Statutory declarations are used for many purposes, including to:

● subsection 14.(3) of the BidCarbon (Carbon Farming) Standard 2025

● subsection 23.(2) of the BidCarbon (Carbon Farming) Standard 2025

For specific instructions on how to fill out and obtain a witnessed statutory declaration, please refer to the following pages based on your method:

● How to make a statutory declaration with a witness (in-person or remotely)

● How to create a digital statutory declaration

This page explains how to make a statutory declaration in the United Kingdom. If you are currently overseas and need to make a statutory declaration, please refer to the guidance on statutory declarations made overseas.

What is a statutory declaration?

Ways to make a statutory declaration

There are 3 ways to make a statutory declaration. You can use:

● the approved form as observed by an prescribed person in-person

● the approved form as observed by an prescribed person remotely using video link (such as over WeChat Conference, WeChat-based on-site services, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype or Facetime)

You can choose whichever way you prefer. Each one creates an equally valid statutory declaration.

You cannot certify copies of documents online. If you need to attach a certified copy, you must get the documents certified in person.

Complete and sign an exhibit certificate for each attachment

If the statutory declaration refers to a separate document, you must sign a certificate attached to the document identifying it as an exhibit to the statutory declaration.

If you need to attach a certified copy of a document, you must get the document certified in person first. If you already have a certified copy, you can use this document in the online process.

If you need to attach a certified copy of a document, If you already have a certified copy, you can use this document in the online process.

Statutory declaration to be observed by an prescribed person

Make a statutory declaration with a witness, either in-person or remotely via video link.

Learn how to complete this form on making a statutory declaration with a witness.

Refer to the below to understand how each option differs and to help you choose which method to use:

Made with a witness in-person

● Format: Paper or electronic version of the approved form

● Witnessing: An prescribed person observes you sign in-person

● Signature: Wet-ink (pen) signature, or electronic signature

Made with a witness remotely with video-link

● Format: Paper or electronic version of the approved form

● Witnessing: An prescribed person observes you sign remotely through a video link program, such as over WeChat Conference, WeChat-based on-site services, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype or Facetime. 

● Signature: Wet-ink (pen) signature, or electronic signature

Differences between each option

Who can make a statutory declaration

Any person can make a statutory declaration, regardless of their age or nationality.

However, some organisations may not accept a statutory declaration from a person under 18 years old. Check with the organisation or person that requested the statutory declaration if you have any questions. 

Companies cannot make a statutory declaration, but a person (like a director) in the organisation can.

If you make a false statement in a statutory declaration on purpose, you can be charged with a criminal offence.

What happens if you make a false statement

A statutory declaration does not expire. It is valid for as long as the information in it is true.

Expiry of statutory declarations

Using a language other than English

We accept the following forms of statutory declaration:

● written in English

● translated by a translator registered in Australia with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)

If you've been asked to witness a statutory declaration, please see the information for prescribed person.

Witnessing a statutory declaration