Affidavit & Statutory Declaration Documentation in Surrey BC
8+ Years of Experienced Affidavit & Statutory Declaration Documentation in Surrey
An affidavit and a statutory declaration are two of the most common sworn documents people need during everyday life in British Columbia. Ghai Notary prepares, reviews, and notarizes both at our Surrey office. You come in with the facts and your ID. You leave with a signed, sealed document that meets BC legal standards and is accepted by courts, government agencies, ICBC, IRCC, banks, and schools.
We handle everything from a quick one-page declaration to a detailed multi-exhibit court affidavit. Same-day appointments are usually available.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement of fact that you swear or affirm to be true in front of a BC Notary Public. By signing it, you confirm under oath that every fact in the document is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Affidavits are used for:
- BC Supreme Court and Provincial Court proceedings
- Documents needed outside Canada
- Family law, estate, and civil matters
- Supporting evidence attached to other legal filings
The person swearing an affidavit is called the deponent or affiant.
What Is a Statutory Declaration?
A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that you solemnly declare to be true. It carries the same legal weight as an affidavit when used inside Canada.
Statutory declarations are used for:
- Non-court matters inside Canada
- ICBC claims, insurance forms, and bank confirmations
- Service Canada and Service BC filings
- Administrative matters where a signed confirmation is enough
The person signing is called the declarant.
Common Reasons People in Surrey Need These Documents
Every week we see Surrey residents come in for sworn and declared statements related to the categories below.
ICBC and Insurance
- Lost or stolen vehicle
- Proof of loss statements
- Non-registered vehicle, trailer, or truck transfers
Immigration and Passports
- Sponsorship letters for IRCC
- Statutory declarations of common-law union
- Lost or damaged passport replacement
- Passports expired more than six months
- PR card renewal statements
- Police clearance certificate confirmations
Identity and Name
- Change of name affidavits
- Same-name confirmation (one person known by two names)
- Change of appearance statements
- Verification of birth particulars when no birth certificate exists
Banking and Property
- No-objection letters for property transfer
- Account access for a deceased relative
- Lost share or bond certificate declarations
School and Employment
- Residency confirmation for Surrey Schools
- Proof of employment, income, or address
- Replacement of lost education certificates
Bring your draft, your ID, and the details. We handle the rest. Call us or book an appointment, your affidavit or statutory declaration at our Surrey office.
How the Process Works
Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes.
Book Your Appointment
Bring the draft and your ID
We review the document
You swear or declare
Sign, seal, and leave
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use a statutory declaration in place of an affidavit?
Inside Canada, yes, in most non-court situations. For BC court filings and documents going outside Canada, you usually need an affidavit.
Q2. Can you draft the affidavit for me?
Yes. Bring the facts and any supporting documents. We draft the affidavit, review it with you, and notarize it in the same appointment.
Q3. Do you notarize documents for IRCC and immigration?
Yes. Sponsorship affidavits, proof of relationship, common-law declarations, and supporting evidence for PR and citizenship applications are handled regularly at our Surrey office.
Q4. What if the document needs to be used outside Canada?
We notarize it first. Most destination countries then require authentication by the country’s consulate or embassy. We walk you through the steps.
Q5. Can a friend or family member sign as a witness?
No. An affidavit or statutory declaration must be signed in front of a BC Notary Public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths. That is what makes it legally valid.
Q6. How long does the appointment take?
Most single-page declarations take 15 to 30 minutes. Multi-exhibit court affidavits take longer and may need a follow-up visit.
Q7. Can I come without an appointment?
Walk-ins are accepted when a notary is free. Booking ahead guarantees your time slot and is the faster option on busy days.
Q8. Do I need to bring my spouse or co-declarant with me?
Yes, for documents that list both of you as deponents or declarants. Both parties must sign in front of the notary with valid ID.