Declarations · Template
Statutory Declaration Template: Fill It Out Online
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Also known as: Solemn Declaration · Declaration Under the Canada Evidence Act · Sworn Declaration · Statutory Declaration Form Ontario · Declaration of Facts
Contents
CONTENTS
When an office asks for a statutory declaration
Many offices accept a written statement instead of a missing document, but only if the statement carries legal weight. A bank wants to know an original cheque was lost, a licensing office wants confirmation that a permit cannot be found, an employer wants a former name explained. The tool they ask for is the statutory declaration: facts written in the first person and solemnly declared before a commissioner.
The closing words of a declaration give it its force. The declarant states that they believe the contents to be true and know the declaration has the same force and effect as if made under oath. Section 41 of the Canada Evidence Act sets out that wording, and this template prints it for you.
How this template is laid out
The page opens with an optional heading, "In the matter of", which tells the reader at a glance what the declaration concerns. Then comes the line that identifies you and where you live, followed by numbered statements. Each statement should hold one fact. Short, separate statements are easier for the reader to check and harder to misread.
Two people can declare the same facts together, for example two owners of a vehicle or two parents. Choose "Me and one other person" and the opening changes from "I" to "We", with a signature line for each of you.
Writing statements that hold up
| Instead of | Write |
|---|---|
| "I lost the document recently." | "On or about September 14, 2026 I lost the original permit." |
| "Everyone knows I own the car." | "I am the registered owner of the 2019 Honda Civic with VIN 2HGFC2F59KH512345." |
| "My brother says the cheque never came." | "My brother, Daniel Turner, told me on October 2, 2026 that the cheque did not arrive, and I believe this to be true." |
| A long paragraph mixing several facts | Several numbered statements, one fact each |
Write only what you know. If something came from another person, say who told you and when, and that you believe it. If a date is approximate, say "on or about".
What makes a declaration come back
- A missing purpose. If the office asked for the declaration for a specific reason, a last statement saying why you make it removes any doubt about where it belongs.
- Names that do not match the ID. The commissioner checks your identity against the name on the page. Use the name exactly as on your photo ID.
- Signed in advance. A declaration has to be signed in front of the commissioner. Leave the signature line for the call.
- The office wanted its own form. Some offices publish their own declaration form. If yours did, use that one instead and upload it when you book.
Declaration or affidavit?
| Statutory declaration | Affidavit | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Solemnly declared | Sworn on oath or affirmed |
| Typical use | Banks, insurers, government offices, employers | Courts and tribunals, and some offices that ask for one |
| Who takes it | A commissioner for taking affidavits or a notary public | The same |
If the paper you received says "affidavit", a declaration may not be accepted in its place. For a court case in Ontario family court, the general affidavit form is Form 14A.
Declaring it by video
After Book and Sign the declaration is attached to your appointment. On the call the commissioner checks your photo ID, asks you to confirm that the statements are true, and you sign on screen. The commissioner completes the "Declared before me" part, and the commissioned PDF is emailed to you right after.
Already have it filled in?
Upload your own copy when you book and sign it with us by video.
FAQ
Can two people sign one declaration?
Yes. Choose "Me and one other person". Each of you joins the video signing from your own device with your own photo ID and email.
How many statements can I add?
Up to fifteen, each up to a long paragraph. Most declarations need three or four.
Is the "In the matter of" line required?
No. It helps the reader, but you can leave it empty.
Will the office I send it to accept it?
Most offices accept a general statutory declaration, but some require their own form. Ask them first if you are unsure.
Can I download the declaration?
No. It is attached to your booking and signed on the video signing; the commissioned PDF is emailed to you afterwards.
Do you write the statements for me?
No. You write the facts yourself and are responsible for them. We verify your identity and commission the declaration.
We don't provide legal advice.