Statutory Declarations

Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration (also known as a stat dec) is a type of legal document that stats out facts or beliefs that you declare to be true and accurate. Statutory declarations can be used for many purposes and can be requested by a person, organisation or government agency.

• Learn more about statutory declarations (Attorney-General's Department).

Consular staff can only witness Australian Statutory Declarations for use in Australia, not overseas.

Be aware that you may not need DFAT to witness your signature. In many cases, you can find someone else locally to witness it for you. Ask the receiving authority in Australia who else can witness it for you. We do not witness signatures on overseas documents. Ask local authorities who can witness for you (i.e. Swiss notary public) or seek legal advice.

There are 2 types of statutory declarations (or stat decs):

• Commonwealth - More information on Making a Commonwealth Statutory Declarations overseas. Important update (12 February 2024) - You can now use myGov to create a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration, using your Digital Identity (myGovID) in place of a witness. Find out more about digital Commonwealth statutory declarations.
• State and Territory – If you have questions about a state or territory declaration, contact that state or territory’s Department of Justice or Attorney-General’s website.

Is an Appointment Required?

An in-person appointment is required for Consular staff to witness your statutory declaration.

How to book an appointment

All notarial appointments are held in Geneva only (not Bern) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The current waiting time for an appointment is 1-2 weeks - please advise us if your request is urgent.

Appointments can only be made by sending an email to: [email protected]

Please provide the following in your email:

1. Title your email subject with: “Last name”, “First Name” – Notarial Appointment
2. Your full name, contact phone number and email address
3. The full name of anyone else requiring the same service
4. Preferred 'day' (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) and ‘time’ (morning/afternoon preference)
5. Where you will be coming from
6. Specific details of the notarial service you require – Full instructions from the requesting authority must be provided before an appointment can be scheduled - please attach these details to your appointment request email.

What to bring to your appointment?

• Your valid passport.
• Other valid photo identification.
• Completed statutory declaration form but DO NOT sign before your appointment.
• Your credit/debit card for payment – Fees and payment methods