Statutory declarations

About statutory declarations

A statutory declaration (also known as a stat dec) is a type of legal document that sets out facts that you declare to be true and accurate.

People, organisations and government agencies may ask you to provide a statutory declaration.

Some common uses for statutory declarations include:

• visa applications
• insurance claims
• superannuation claims
• employment and leave applications
• legal evidence.

If you make a false statement on purpose, you can be charged with an offence.

We only provide information about Commonwealth statutory declarations. State and territory statutory declarations will have different requirements.

Ways to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration

There are 3 ways to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration:

• Create a digital statutory declaration using myGov and your Digital ID.
• Complete the approved form and sign it while an approved witness observes in person.
• Complete the approved form and sign it while an approved witness observes remotely using a video link (like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Facetime)

You can choose whichever option suits you. All 3 methods create an equally valid Commonwealth statutory declaration.

Find out more about Commonwealth statutory declarations

Create a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration using myGov

Visit myGov to create a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration

You do not need a witness for a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration. You will need a Digital ID to verify your identity.

Learn more about making a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration.

Download a Commonwealth statutory declaration to be observed by an approved witness

Use the approved form to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration with a witness, either in person or by video link.

Download a Commonwealth statutory declaration form

Learn how to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration with a witness.