Statutory declarations
A solemn declaration of facts, similar to an affidavit, usually for administrative use.
Can I make a statutory declaration online in Ontario?
Yes, usually.O. Reg. 431/20
Statutory declarations may be commissioned remotely by video where eligible. Many forms prescribe their own declaration wording — use the recipient's form where one exists.
- Video appointment
- Government photo ID
- Often same day
- Sent to your dashboard
How it works with enotarypublic
Bring the completed but unsigned declaration and any exhibits. You verify your identity on camera, declare, and the commissioner completes the declaration.
Use the recipient's form: Government and institutional forms often require specific declaration wording. Where a prescribed form exists, use it.
General legal information for Ontario residents, not formal legal advice.
What is this service?
A statutory declaration is a formal statement that you solemnly declare to be true. It is often used outside court — for government, administrative, or institutional purposes — and is commissioned the same way as an affidavit.
Common uses
- Marital or name-change declarations
- CRA and government submissions
- Lost document declarations
- Proof of relationship or residency
How it works
- 1
Prepare the declaration
Draft the statement of facts.
- 2
Meet the commissioner
Online or in person.
- 3
Declare
Solemnly declare the contents are true.
- 4
Commissioned
The commissioner signs and stamps it.
What you’ll need
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- The completed (unsigned) declaration
- Any supporting exhibits
Included
- Common-law, lost items, single status
- Declared under the Canada Evidence Act
- No oath required
General information only — this is not legal advice. Whether a document can be completed online depends on the specific document and the receiving institution; we confirm this before you book.
Common statutory declarations situations
Marital status declaration
Swear your marital status when an institution needs sworn proof.
Name-change / one-and-the-same declaration
Declare that documents in different names refer to you.
CRA / tax declaration
Declare facts required by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Lost document declaration
Declare that a document was lost, stolen or destroyed.
Income / employment declaration
Declare income or employment facts for a third party.
Statutory declarations — common questions
What is the difference between a statutory declaration and an affidavit?▾
Both are solemn statements of fact you declare to be true before a commissioner. A statutory declaration is usually used for administrative, government or institutional purposes rather than in court.
Can a statutory declaration be made online in Ontario?▾
Yes, where the document is eligible — statutory declarations may be commissioned by video under O. Reg. 431/20.
Should I use my own wording or the recipient's form?▾
Many government and institutional forms prescribe their own declaration wording. Where a prescribed form exists, use it — otherwise the declaration may be returned.
What do I bring to the session?▾
Valid government-issued photo ID, the completed but unsigned declaration, and any supporting exhibits.
More general questions are answered on our FAQ page.