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Notary service in Ottawa
$25 + HST15-20 minutesBy appointment in Ottawa
A statutory declaration is a formal written statement of facts that you solemnly declare to be true. We administer the oath or affirmation and officially certify your declaration for government, legal, and administrative purposes.
A statutory declaration (commonly called a 'stat dec') is a legal document in which the declarant makes a formal written statement of facts and solemnly declares or affirms that the contents are true. Unlike an affidavit, which is specifically for court proceedings, statutory declarations are used for administrative and non-court purposes. In Canada, making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. This serious consequence ensures the reliability of stat decs for important matters. Statutory declarations must be made before a person authorized to administer oaths, such as a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths. Common uses include declaring name changes, confirming common-law relationships, reporting lost or destroyed documents, and making various statements for government agencies.
Related services you may need: Certified True Copies, Notarizing Signatures, Affidavits
Why it matters
Government agencies, institutions, and organizations often require statutory declarations because they carry legal weight and criminal consequences for false statements. When you need to confirm facts that cannot be easily proven by documents - such as a common-law relationship, a name you've been using, or that a document was lost - a statutory declaration provides a sworn statement that authorities can rely upon. Banks may require stat decs for account changes, Service Ontario requires them for vehicle gift transfers, and immigration authorities use them to verify relationships and circumstances. The sworn nature of the declaration, with its serious legal consequences for false statements, provides assurance to the receiving party that the information is truthful.
Straightforward process. Most appointments completed in 15 minutes once we're face to face.
Bring a draft of your statutory declaration or explain what facts you need to declare. We have templates for common declarations or can help you prepare a custom one.
Present your valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will verify your identity before proceeding.
Read through the declaration carefully. You must fully understand and believe every statement you are about to declare as true.
Choose to swear an oath (religious) or make a solemn affirmation (secular). Both carry identical legal weight. Then sign the declaration.
The Notary Public signs and applies their official seal, completing the jurat (certification) portion of the statutory declaration.
What to bring
Please ensure you have the following items when you visit.
Quick tips to make your appointment go smoothly.
Be clear about the facts you need to state. Write down the key points before your visit. We can help format it properly, but you need to know the content.
Only declare facts you know to be true. Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence with serious penalties including imprisonment.
Ask the requesting organization if they have a specific form or wording required. Some agencies have particular formats they need.
If someone else needs to make a declaration about you (like for a character reference), they must come in person to swear/affirm it themselves.
Is This For You?
This service is commonly needed by the following groups.
Statutory declarations are often required when changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or personal preference, especially when updating government documents.
To prove common-law relationship status for immigration sponsorship, tax purposes, or benefit applications, couples often need sworn declarations.
When original documents are lost, stolen, or destroyed, a statutory declaration explaining the circumstances is often required to obtain replacements.
Service Ontario requires a statutory declaration to confirm a vehicle is being transferred as a gift between family members for tax exemption purposes.
Various immigration applications require statutory declarations to confirm relationships, employment history, or other facts that support the application.
Transparent pricing
The price you see is what you pay at the counter. HST applies.
Statutory declaration (using our template)
Common declarations
Statutory declaration (your document)
Pre-prepared
Custom declaration drafting
Complex matters
Additional declarations
Each additional
Ready when you are. Same-day slots available most weekdays.
Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under Section 134 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The declarant must believe all statements to be true and understand they are making a legally binding sworn statement. If you are uncertain about any facts, do not include them in the declaration.
FAQs
If your question is not here, call us at (613) 434-5555.
Practical guides written for the same kinds of clients we see in person. Free to read, no signup.
Understand the differences between affidavits and statutory declarations, when each is required, and how to get them properly notarized.
Changing your name after marriage, divorce, or personal choice? Learn which documents need notarization and how to update your records properly.
Discover step-by-step solutions when you've lost your passport, birth certificate, or other vital documents. Learn how notary services can help you recover.
Official certification that a copy matches the original document. Commonly needed for immigration, education, and employment purposes.
Witnessing and authenticating signatures on important documents such as contracts, agreements, and legal papers.
Sworn written statements used in court proceedings, immigration applications, and other legal matters.
Book today
$25 + HST. 15-20 minutes. By appointment in Ottawa, with same-day slots available most weekdays.