Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore
Affidavits, Statutory Declarations, and Affirmations | By Appointment
A Commissioner for Oaths is a person appointed under section 68(2) of the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969. Specifically, the appointment is made by the Senate of the Singapore Academy of Law. As a result, a Commissioner for Oaths can administer oaths and affirmations. Moreover, a Commissioner for Oaths can take and receive statutory declarations for use within Singapore. At Loh Eben Ong LLP, our Commissioner for Oaths services follow the Commissioners for Oaths Rules. In addition, we conduct them in line with the Singapore Academy of Law’s Commissioners for Oaths Manual. Therefore, we administer oaths for affidavits in Singapore court proceedings. We also take statutory declarations under the Oaths and Declarations Act 2000. Finally, we witness the commissioning of related documents. Appointments are required. Fees are statutorily prescribed.
When You Need a Commissioner for Oaths
Generally, any document that must be signed under oath, affirmation or declaration for use in Singapore should be signed before a Commissioner for Oaths. Below, we set out the three most common categories.
Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public?
Both Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public are appointed by the Senate of the Singapore Academy of Law. However, they perform different functions. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on one thing. In short, it depends on whether the document is intended for use in Singapore or overseas.
Key Differences at a Glance
The table below compares a Commissioner for Oaths and a Notary Public. Firstly, it shows their functions. Then, it sets out where each document may be used, along with the fees.
| Commissioner for Oaths | Notary Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Administers oaths and affirmations, and takes statutory declarations. | Attests signatures, certifies true copies of documents, and administers oaths. |
| Use of document | For use within Singapore only. | For use outside Singapore only. |
| Common documents | Court affidavits, probate court papers (such as the Administration Oath and Administration Bond), and statutory declarations for government and private institutions. | Certified true copies of educational and corporate documents, attested powers of attorney, contracts and corporate resolutions for use abroad. |
| Apostille (SAL) | Not applicable. | Mandatory for all notarised documents since 1 October 2019. Issued by the Singapore Academy of Law, the sole competent authority. Available as a physical Apostille or e-Apostille. |
| Fees | Prescribed under the Commissioners for Oaths Rules. | Prescribed under the Notaries Public Rules. Apostille fee separately payable to SAL. |
In short, use a Commissioner for Oaths for documents intended for use within Singapore, and a Notary Public for documents intended for use overseas.
Commissioner for Oaths: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Commissioner for Oaths do?
A Commissioner for Oaths administers oaths and affirmations for affidavits and statutory declarations intended for use in Singapore, including court documents and declarations required by government agencies.
Do I need a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public?
Documents intended for use inside Singapore generally need a Commissioner for Oaths. By contrast, documents that will be sent overseas usually need a Notary Public. Meanwhile, if you are unsure, contact us and we will point you the right way.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your NRIC or passport and the document to be sworn or affirmed, unsigned. You sign it in front of the Commissioner for Oaths at the appointment.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are possible during office hours, but booking ahead at book.law.com.sg guarantees you a time slot at our office at 135 Middle Road, Bylands Building.
How much does it cost?
Singapore law prescribes Commissioner for Oaths fees, so every law firm here charges the same statutory rate. Currently, the fee is S$25 for each person who swears, affirms or declares a document, plus S$5 for each exhibit that we mark. Therefore, a one-page statutory declaration signed by one person costs S$25. In addition, interpretation and out-of-office attendance attract a further charge. For a full breakdown, see our Commissioner for Oaths fee page and fee calculator.
Who can act as a Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore?
The Senate of the Singapore Academy of Law appoints every Commissioner for Oaths under section 68(2) of the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969. Consequently, practising lawyers hold most of these appointments, while court interpreters and certain public officers hold the rest. At Loh Eben Ong LLP, our partners hold this appointment, so a Commissioner for Oaths is available at our office by appointment.
Can a Commissioner for Oaths certify a true copy of my document?
Not for overseas use. Certifying a true copy for a foreign authority counts as a notarial act, so a Notary Public must certify it and the Singapore Academy of Law must then issue an apostille. However, for documents that stay in Singapore, most agencies accept a solicitor’s certification instead. Accordingly, tell us the destination of the document and we will advise which service you need.
Where is your Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore located?
Our office is at 135 Middle Road #05-11, Bylands Building, Singapore 188975, in the Bugis and Bras Basah area. Furthermore, we open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 6.00pm, and we close between 1.00pm and 2.15pm. To attend, call +65 6338 1810 or contact us to reserve a slot.
How long does a Commissioner for Oaths appointment take?
Most attendances take about 10 to 15 minutes for a single document. Nevertheless, affidavits with many exhibits, several deponents or interpretation take longer. Therefore, please arrive a few minutes early with your identity document and your unsigned papers.
What if I do not read or understand English?
We can interpret into Mandarin or Hokkien for an additional prescribed charge. Alternatively, you may bring your own interpreter at no extra cost. Either way, you must understand the contents before you swear, affirm or declare them.
Can a Commissioner for Oaths come to my home, office or hospital?
Yes. We offer an outcall service, subject to availability and an additional fee. For instance, we attend on clients who are unwell or who cannot leave their workplace. Please contact us early, because outcall slots are limited.
Our Commissioner for Oaths Services
Loh Eben Ong LLP provides a full range of Commissioner for Oaths services. In particular, we help clients with documents to be sworn, affirmed or declared for use in Singapore. Please note that appointments are by prior booking at our Bugis office.
Important. Firstly, the client must prepare, print and bring the document to be commissioned. Then, before the document is sworn, affirmed or declared, the client must read and understand its contents. In addition, the client must confirm that the contents are true.
Please note that making a false statement on oath, or in a statutory declaration, is a serious offence under the Oaths and Declarations Act 2000. Also, we do not commission documents on weekends or public holidays. However, an outcall service is available, subject to availability and on payment of an additional fee.