SWEARING of Affidavit
CITYWIDE Solicitors is a local commissioner for oaths and firm of solicitors based at 89 Bickersteth Road, Tooting, London SW17 9SH — a short walk from Tooting Broadway Underground station. We provide a fast, same-day swearing of affidavit, statutory declaration, and document certification service to residents and businesses across Tooting, Wandsworth, Balham, Streatham, Wimbledon and the wider South West London area. Whether you need an oath sworn for a court matter, a probate oath, a statutory declaration for a property transaction, or a document certified as a true copy, our solicitors and commissioners for oaths can usually see you at short notice — often the same day.
What Is an Affidavit, and Why Does It Need to Be Sworn?
An affidavit is a written statement of fact that must be sworn on oath before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths before it can be used as evidence — most commonly in court proceedings, including probate applications. Swearing the document means confirming, while holding a bible or other holy book (or affirming, if you prefer not to swear a religious oath), that the contents are true. Because an affidavit carries the same legal weight as evidence given under oath in court, knowingly swearing a false statement is perjury, which can lead to a fine or imprisonment.
We can usually accommodate walk-ins and short-notice appointments for affidavits, so it helps to have your document fully prepared before you arrive. The fee for swearing has been fixed nationally since 1993 at £5 per person sworn, plus £2 per exhibit.
Our Local Oaths, Declarations & Certification Services in Tooting, London
Statutory Declarations
A statutory declaration is similar to an affidavit but is declared rather than sworn, so no religious text is required. It is typically used outside of court — for example, in property transactions, change of name matters, or when an organisation needs formal written confirmation of a fact under legal penalty. The fees mirror those for affidavits.
Certified Copies of Documents
We regularly certify documents for clients across South West London who need a verified true copy for visa applications, mortgages, employers or overseas authorities. We can certify most identity and financial documents, but we cannot certify birth, death or marriage certificates (these must come from a Registry Office), and we cannot certify anything we cannot independently verify as an original — including documents printed from the internet or educational certificates we cannot confirm are genuine.
Witnessing Documents
Some institutions require a document to be witnessed by a solicitor to ensure the signatory has received appropriate advice — this includes Land Registry ID1 forms. Witnessing isn't something we can generally offer on an ad hoc basis to non-clients, as it requires us to open a file and retain records for six years. Speak to one of our solicitors first for a cost estimate.
Notarising International Documents
If your document needs to be notarised — usually the case for documents heading overseas — we can introduce you to a local Notary Public at a partner firm who will talk you through the requirements, including any apostille or FCDO legalisation needed.
Fees for Swearing of Affidavit & Certification in London
Who Will Carry Out the Work?
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Swearing of Oaths & Affidavit | £20 |
| Standard Certification & Witnessing | £20 |
| Photo ID Certification | £25 |
| ID1 Form Certification | £50 |
| Paper Apostille Documentation* | £150 |
| Affidavit & Statutory Declaration Drafting | £180 |
*Excludes the FCDO legalisation fee of £45 and recorded postage costs.
Our Timescale
We usually aim to complete all certifications and swearing of documents the same day — most clients visiting our Tooting office won't need an appointment. However, in relation to apostille legalisation, our timescale depends on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) published turnaround.
Why Local Clients Choose CITYWIDE Solicitors
- Conveniently based on Bickersteth Road, minutes from Tooting Broadway station and served by local bus routes
- Qualified solicitors who are also commissioners for oaths — no need to book with a separate notary for standard oaths
- Same-day service for most oaths, declarations and certifications
- Transparent, fixed fees with no hidden charges
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Trusted across Tooting, Wandsworth, Balham, Streatham and South West London for over a decade
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to swear an affidavit in Tooting?
Usually not. We aim to have someone available at short notice for swearing oaths, affidavits and statutory declarations, though calling ahead means we can confirm availability and have everything ready when you arrive.
Can you certify a copy of my birth or marriage certificate?
No. Certified copies of birth, death and marriage certificates can only be obtained from a Registry Office. We can certify most other identity and financial documents.
What's the difference between an affidavit and a statutory declaration?
An affidavit is sworn on oath (using a holy book, or affirmed) and is typically used in court proceedings. A statutory declaration is declared rather than sworn and is used outside of court, such as for property matters.
Can you witness my Land Registry ID1 form?
Yes, but only after we've registered you as a client, since we're required to retain the file for six years. Contact us for a cost estimate before your appointment.
Do you offer notary services for documents going abroad?
We don't notarise documents in-house, but we can introduce you to a local Notary Public at a partner firm who handles international notarisation and apostille requirements.
Need an oath sworn, a statutory declaration made, or a document certified today?
Ask Us Anything anytime.
- 89 Bickersteth Road London SW17 9SH
- admin@citywidesolicitors.co.uk
- 0203 490 1221
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