Professional Oath, Declaration and Document Certification Services
At First Law Solicitors, we provide precise and efficient services for oaths, statutory declarations and document certifications. Based in Manchester and advising clients across the UK and internationally, our solicitors are authorised to act as Commissioners for Oaths, ensuring that every document we handle meets the highest legal and procedural standards.
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID No: 665823) and trusted by individuals, professionals and corporate clients who require legally valid documentation for use in the UK or abroad.
An oath or statutory declaration is a legally binding statement confirming that the contents of a document are true. These are often required for court proceedings, property transactions, visa applications or other formal legal processes.
Only authorised professionals such as solicitors, barristers and notaries public may administer oaths or take declarations in the United Kingdom. Our solicitors perform this function in full compliance with the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889 and all professional obligations under the Solicitors Act 1974.
We ensure every declaration, affirmation or certified copy is properly executed, witnessed and endorsed in accordance with UK legal standards.
We administer oaths, affirmations and statutory declarations for both individuals and businesses. Each document is prepared and witnessed in accordance with the formal requirements set out by law to ensure that it is valid and admissible.
Our solicitors witness and certify the execution of Powers of Attorney, Guarantees and related legal instruments. For documents intended for international use, we guide clients through the additional steps required for legalisation or apostille certification.
We certify copies of personal and corporate documents such as passports, academic certificates and business records.
To comply with the Money Laundering Regulations (as amended 2025), our solicitors utilise secure Digital ID Verification (IDV). This aligns with the latest HM Treasury statutory instruments requiring real-time authentication of original photo identification. Clients must present original identification at the appointment or through approved digital ID channels.
Our team advises on the correct form of certification for the jurisdiction where the document will be used. Some countries accept a solicitor’s certification once it has been apostilled, while others require a Notary Public. We ensure clients are fully informed so that documents are prepared correctly the first time.
Our oath and certification services strictly comply with the Commissioners for Oaths (Fees) Order as amended April 2025, which updated the statutory framework for administering oaths and marking exhibits.
We maintain full compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations, incorporating the September 2025 Amendments. These updates mandate enhanced risk-based due diligence and the use of Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) for digital certifications.
In line with the SRA Transparency Rules, our firm clearly distinguishes between statutory certification services and professional administrative work, ensuring transparency and integrity in every engagement.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) introduced a Digital-First e-Apostille system in 2025, allowing many documents to be legalised electronically rather than by paper.
Our solicitors prepare digitally certified copies that meet the technical and evidential standards required for this system. This modernised process reduces turnaround times from days to hours and ensures seamless legalisation for documents such as:
We coordinate directly with the FCDO Legalisation Office to ensure your documents are accepted globally under the latest digital verification standards.
Clients choose First Law Solicitors because we combine legal accuracy with efficiency and discretion. We provide:
Every document we handle is treated with the care and legal authority it deserves, ensuring it is valid both in the UK and overseas.
If you need an oath, statutory declaration or certified document for use in the UK or abroad, contact First Law Solicitors for a professional appointment.
We offer same-day appointments where possible and support clients across the UK and internationally.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our online enquiry form to schedule your consultation.
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