Can a statutory declaration be sworn by video call?

Statutory declarations have to be made in front of an authorised person. Here is how the remote, video-witnessed option works and where it is accepted.

What is a statutory declaration?

A statutory declaration is a formal statement of fact that a person declares to be true, made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. It must be made in front of an authorised person, such as a solicitor, commissioner for oaths or notary public, who confirms the identity of the person making it and administers the declaration. It is commonly used where the law requires a sworn statement but no court is involved, including the Declaration of Solvency used to close a solvent company.

Can it be done remotely?

Traditionally, statutory declarations were made in person. In recent years, remote witnessing by video has become widely used. The Law Society has published guidance on administering a statutory declaration by video conference, and Companies House has confirmed that it accepts declarations of solvency made by video conference.

The position is not identical for every type of document or every receiving authority, and guidance continues to develop. For that reason, you should check that a remotely witnessed declaration will be accepted for your specific purpose before you book, particularly if a third party, court or registry needs to accept the document.

FastDec focuses on the documents this option is well established for, such as the Declaration of Solvency (Form LIQ01) used in a Members' Voluntary Liquidation.

How a remote appointment works

You book a time and provide your details.
You join a short video call with a UK solicitor.
The solicitor confirms your identity, usually by checking photographic ID.
You make the declaration and sign while the solicitor witnesses it.
The completed, witnessed document is returned to you by email.

What people use it for

The most common use we see is the Declaration of Solvency required to start an MVL. Statutory declarations are also used in a range of other situations, but it is always the person making the declaration who is responsible for making sure a remotely witnessed document is appropriate and valid for the use they have in mind.

How FastDec helps

FastDec connects you with a UK solicitor for a remote witnessing appointment at a single fixed fee of £125, with same-day slots normally available. We are a facilitation platform, not a law firm, so we do not give legal advice on whether a statutory declaration is the right document for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is a video-witnessed statutory declaration legally valid?

A statutory declaration must be made before an authorised person who administers it, and this can be done by video where the receiving authority accepts it. Companies House accepts declarations of solvency made by video conference. Because acceptance can vary by document and authority, you should confirm it is appropriate for your specific use.

What do I need for the appointment?

Usually photographic identification so the solicitor can confirm who you are, the document to be declared, and a device with a camera and a stable internet connection.

Who witnesses the declaration?

A UK solicitor. FastDec arranges the appointment and connection; the solicitor administers and witnesses the declaration.

Does FastDec give legal advice?

No. FastDec is a facilitation platform, not a law firm. We arrange the witnessing appointment but do not advise on whether a statutory declaration is the correct document for your situation.

Online Statutory Declarations