Commissioner for Declarations (CDecs) volunteer to serve the public by signing documents that need a qualified witness.
There is a CDec available at the office from 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (Please call ahead of time).
A Commissioner for Declarations can
- Witness documents
- Witness statutory declarations
- Witness affidavits
- Witness and administer oaths and affirmations
- Certify a true copy of an original document.
What to expect from a Commissioner for Declarations
- A fair and indiscriminate experience
- That their personal beliefs won’t impact their witnessing duties
- A free witnessing service
- Respect for your privacy and confidentiality
You won’t receive legal advice—they are not legally qualified to advise you on legal matters.
You will be questioned to ensure you understand the document you are bringing.
They can refuse to sign or witness a document if they are not satisfied you understand it.
What a Commissioner for Declarations expects of you
In return, a Commissioner for Declarations expects that you will:
- Understand the form you are asking them to witness, and its consequences
- Bring all required identification and supporting documents
- Be patient—JPs and Cdecs are volunteers giving their time to assist you
- Respect the time they spend assisting you.
If you need a signature witnessed, do not bring pre-signed documents.
The Commissioner for Declarations needs to see the signing take place.
A Commissioner for Declarations will not witness a blank document.