Statutory Declarations and Affidavits in Ireland — Guide
If you need a statutory declaration witnessed, or you need to swear an affidavit in Ireland, the rules on how and where it can be done are different for each document. This guide explains the difference and where each can be done.
Statutory declarations: made in person
A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts that you solemnly declare to be true. It is typically used outside court proceedings, for example for lost passports, insurance claims, name confirmations, business declarations and administrative applications.
Under the Statutory Declarations Act 1938 a statutory declaration must be made in the physical presence of a practising solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. It cannot be made by video call. OnlineLegalServices.ie does not witness statutory declarations. Any practising solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths near you can do this, usually for a small fee; the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory lists solicitors by area.
What to bring:
- Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- The unsigned declaration — sign it only in front of the solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths
Affidavits: must be sworn in person
An affidavit is a written statement of facts sworn on oath, commonly used in court proceedings, family law matters and probate applications.
An affidavit cannot be sworn by video. It must be sworn in person before an independent Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitor, and not before the solicitor who drafted it. We do not offer affidavit swearing by video.
Bring the final document, with valid photo ID, to an independent Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitor near you to swear it. Their fee for commissioning is typically in the region of €20–€50 per document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swear an affidavit online in Ireland?
No. An affidavit must be sworn in person before an independent Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitor.
Can I make a statutory declaration online?
No. A statutory declaration must be made in the physical presence of a practising solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. Drafting can be done online; the declaration itself is made in person.
Do I need legal advice to have a statutory declaration witnessed?
No. If you only need the declaration witnessed, legal advice is not required. Witnessing does not include drafting or legal advice.
Can someone else attend for me?
No. The person making the declaration must attend in person and present valid ID.
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Need help with this? Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.Conveyancing · Talk to a Property Solicitor.
Related reading: What Is an Affidavit in Ireland? How to Get One Online in 2026
