A statutory declaration is a legal written declaration made in front of an authorised witness in relation to any matter where a formal written statement is required.
Australian Statutory Declarations are for use only in Australia.
If you wish to make a state or territory statutory declaration please check the procedures for making and using declarations with the relevant state or territory, as they are made under each state or territory’s legislation. Please complete the statutory declaration (do not sign) and have it ready for an officer to witness your signature at the Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai.
You are required to come in person with your original Australian or Foreign Passport as a proof of identity. Alternatively, any valid Australian or Foreign Government issued identification, which provides evidence of your full name, photograph and signature, are acceptable e.g. valid driver’s licence.
The Commonwealth statutory declaration form is available through the Attorney General’s Department website at www.ag.gov.au/statdec.
Affidavits
An affidavit is a written statement that allows the person making it to present evidence in court or other legal proceedings. The person may choose to confirm that the statement contained in their affidavit is the truth by either making a religious statement (an ‘oath’) or a non-religious statement (an ‘affirmation’). It is generally an offence to swear to, or affirm, false information.
The Consulate's role is to witness the affidavit and administer the oath or affirmation. It does not attest to the authenticity or truth of the content of the evidence or information.
Before visiting the Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai check the following with the recipient or a legal representative:
• Do you and the witness need to sign or initial each page? Or do you only need to sign one page?
• Do you have any exhibits to the affidavits?
Kindly note: If an affidavit contains attachments or is multiple pages, we will bind the pages together as a general rule. Please confirm with your legal representative, or receiving authority, whether the binding of the pages together will mean your affidavit is not legal.
Please bring along clear instructions, your valid Australian or Foreign passport along with your affidavit including all exhibits and attachments.
Powers of Attorney
For information on powers of attorney for each state visit - http://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/family-and-community/wills-and-powers-of-attorney/powers-of-attorney and http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/Pages/wills-and-powers-of-attorney.aspx.
Wills
Most wills do not require an authorised witness. The Consulate is unable to witness international wills.
For information on wills for each state visit - http://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/family-and-community/wills-and-powers-of-attorney/wills.
Witnessing Renewal of Driver's Licence
The Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai does not renew driver's licences.
Contact the relevant State Government Authority responsible for issuing licences in Australia to obtain the necessary forms to renew your licence while residing overseas. In some cases your licence renewal forms may need to be witnessed by a Consular Officer. If this is required by the Licensing Authority, you will need to attend The Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai in person, bring along the form, and any additional documents the Licensing Authority requires by way of proof of identity (details of which are on the form).
Fees will be charged based upon the type and the quantity of services the Consulate are required to undertake by the Licencing Authority.
Please refer to the website below for further information and contact details of all State Government driver's licence issuing authorities in Australia - Driver's Licence Issuing Authorities in Australia
As each document is different, Consular Officers are not able to provide advice on the requirements of your particular document. It is your responsibility to check with the originator of the document whether an Australian Consular Officer is able to witness your signature on the document.
Fees paid for notarial services are non-refundable.