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.

Statutory declarations can be used for many purposes and can be requested by a person, organisation or government agency.

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.

The Commonwealth, states and territories all have different statutory declaration requirements. 
We can only provide information about Commonwealth statutory declarations.

Ways to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration

There are now 3 ways to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration. You can use:

• the approved form as observed by an approved witness in-person
• the approved form as observed by an approved witness remotely using video link (such as over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype or Facetime)
• myGov and your Digital Identity

You can choose whichever way you prefer. Each one creates an equally valid Commonwealth statutory declaration.

Find out more on about Commonwealth statutory declarations

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

Download the form to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration with a witness, either in-person or remotely via video link:

Download a Commonwealth statutory declaration form – to be made with a witness

Learn how to complete this form on making a Commonwealth statutory declaration with a witness.

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, but you will need a Digital Identity to verify your identity.

Learn more about making a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration.