Commissioner for Oaths in London and Ilford
James Immigration Solutions Ltd provides pre-booked Commissioner for Oaths appointments in London and Ilford.
Our Commissioner for Oaths, Fahad Zohaib Asghar FCILEx, can administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and witness statutory declarations where legally appropriate.
Appointments are conducted professionally, independently and confidentially. Before booking, we check the document, the receiving organisation’s requirements and whether a Commissioner for Oaths is the correct authorised person.
What Is a Commissioner for Oaths?
A Commissioner for Oaths is an authorised legal professional who can administer an oath or affirmation and witness a person signing an affidavit or statutory declaration.
The person making the statement confirms that the contents are true. The Commissioner then completes and signs the relevant jurat, attestation or witnessing section.
The Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889 authorises commissioners to administer oaths and take affidavits for courts and matters in England.
CILEX confirms that an eligible Fellow with the right to administer oaths may use the title Commissioner for Oaths. Read the official CILEX guidance on administering oaths.
Our Commissioner for Oaths Services
We can assist with:
- Administering an oath
- Administering a non-religious affirmation
- Taking an affidavit
- Witnessing a statutory declaration
- Witnessing sworn statements
- Completing the relevant jurat or attestation
- Marking exhibits referred to in an affidavit
- Witnessing declarations required by courts or official bodies
- Checking identification before administering an oath
- Certifying documents where separately appropriate and accepted
The document and requirements should be sent to us before the appointment so we can confirm whether we can act.
Administering an Oath
An oath is a formal promise that the contents of a document or statement are true.
The person making the oath may be asked to swear using a religious text or another form appropriate to their faith. The exact wording may depend on the document and the authority requiring it.
The Commissioner for Oaths does not independently confirm that every statement is true. The person making the oath remains legally responsible for the statement.
Administering an Affirmation
A person who does not wish to swear a religious oath may make a solemn affirmation instead.
An affirmation has the same legal significance as an oath. It allows the person to confirm the truth of their statement without referring to a religious belief or holy book.
Please inform us before the appointment if you prefer to affirm rather than swear an oath.
Affidavit Swearing Service
An affidavit is a written statement of fact that is formally sworn or affirmed before an authorised person.
Affidavits may be required for:
- Court proceedings
- Family or civil matters
- Property-related matters
- Evidence required by an official body
- Confirmation of identity or personal circumstances
- Other legal or administrative purposes
The affidavit should normally be completed but left unsigned before the appointment.
The Commissioner will:
- Check the person’s identity
- Confirm that the person understands the nature of the affidavit
- Administer the oath or affirmation
- Witness or acknowledge the signature as required
- Complete and sign the jurat
- Mark any relevant exhibits
Statutory Declaration Service
A statutory declaration is a formal written statement made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835.
Statutory declarations may be required to confirm:
- A change of name
- Identity or personal details
- Marital or civil-partnership status
- Residence or address history
- Loss of an official document
- Ownership or financial circumstances
- Facts required by a government department
- Information required by a court, regulator or professional body
The person making the declaration must understand its contents and declare that the information is true.
A false statutory declaration can have serious legal consequences.
Common Documents We May Witness
Subject to checking the document and the receiving authority’s requirements, we may assist with:
- Affidavits
- Statutory declarations
- Deed poll-related declarations
- Declarations of identity
- Declarations of residence
- Declarations of marital status
- Sworn statements
- Exhibits attached to affidavits
- Court or tribunal forms requiring an authorised oath
- Declarations required by government departments
- Professional or regulatory declarations
Acceptance always depends on the organisation receiving the document.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Please bring:
- The original document requiring the oath, affirmation or declaration
- A valid passport or photocard driving licence
- Proof of address if requested
- All exhibits referred to in the document
- Written instructions from the receiving organisation
- Any required reference or application number
- Details of the country where the document will be used
- Details of any deadline
Please do not sign the document before the appointment unless the form specifically requires prior signing. CILEX guidance states that the person should ordinarily be present and sign in the Commissioner’s presence.
Appointment Process
Our process normally involves:
- Sending us a copy of the document
- Confirming who requires the document
- Checking whether a Commissioner for Oaths can act
- Completing an independence and conflict check
- Booking an in-person appointment
- Checking your original identification
- Administering the oath or affirmation
- Witnessing the signature
- Signing and completing the document
- Returning the completed document to you
The Commissioner must be independent. We may be unable to act where we or our firm are involved in the relevant proceedings, have an interest in the matter or are otherwise prevented from acting.
Do Not Sign Before the Appointment
The person making an affidavit or statutory declaration should normally sign in the presence of the Commissioner for Oaths.
If the document has already been signed, contact us before attending. The document may need to be reprinted and signed again during the appointment.
Do not alter the document after it has been sworn, affirmed or declared.
Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public?
A Commissioner for Oaths is not automatically a Notary Public.
A Commissioner for Oaths primarily administers oaths and affirmations and witnesses affidavits or statutory declarations for use in England and Wales.
A Notary Public has a different professional appointment and commonly authenticates documents for use in foreign countries. According to the Faculty Office, “Notary Public” is a protected title, and the principal role of a notary is authenticating deeds and legal documents for use abroad. Read the Faculty Office explanation of a Notary Public.
You may need a Notary Public where:
- The document will be used outside the United Kingdom
- The receiving organisation specifically requests notarisation
- An overseas authority requires a notarial seal
- The document requires an apostille or legalisation
- An embassy or foreign court requires a notarial act
Before booking, ask the receiving authority whether it requires:
- A Commissioner for Oaths
- A solicitor
- A Notary Public
- An apostille
- Embassy or consular legalisation
JISL does not describe its Commissioner for Oaths service as a notarial service.
Document Certification
Document certification is separate from administering an oath.
A Fellow of CILEX may generally certify copies in suitable circumstances, but the receiving organisation decides who it will accept as an authorised certifier. There is no universal obligation on every organisation to accept a copy certified by a CILEX Fellow.
If you only need a passport, driving licence, qualification or another document certified, please use our separate Document Certification Service.
Commissioner for Oaths Fees
Our fee depends on:
- The type of document
- The number of signatures
- The number of affidavits or declarations
- The number of exhibits
- Whether an urgent appointment is required
- The appointment location
- Whether separate document review or drafting is required
We will confirm the fee before the appointment.
The appointment fee does not automatically include drafting the affidavit, preparing a statutory declaration, providing legal advice or arranging notarisation or an apostille.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Commissioner for Oaths services are provided by prior appointment so the document and receiving authority’s requirements can be checked first.
Can I sign the document before attending?
You should normally leave the document unsigned and sign it in the Commissioner’s presence.
What identification should I bring?
Bring a current passport or photocard driving licence. Proof of address may also be requested depending on the document.
What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?
An oath normally uses religious wording. An affirmation is a non-religious declaration. Both carry the same legal significance.
Does the Commissioner check whether my statement is true?
The Commissioner confirms that you made the oath, affirmation or declaration and witnessed the relevant signature. You remain responsible for the accuracy and truth of the statement.
Can JISL prepare my statutory declaration?
Drafting or advising on the content is separate from witnessing it. We must first assess whether we are authorised and able to provide the additional service.
Can a Commissioner for Oaths certify copies?
A Fellow of CILEX may generally certify documents in appropriate circumstances, but acceptance depends on the receiving organisation. Document certification is offered separately.
Can I use the document outside the UK?
Possibly, but many overseas authorities require a Notary Public, apostille or embassy legalisation. Confirm the requirement with the receiving authority before booking.
Can you witness a document for a matter in which JISL is acting?
Not always. A Commissioner must remain independent and may be unable to act where the Commissioner or firm is involved or interested in the relevant proceedings.
Can I obtain a same-day appointment?
Same-day appointments may be available, subject to document review, availability and confirmation that we are authorised to act.
Book a Commissioner for Oaths Appointment
Appointments are available in Ilford and London by prior arrangement.
Commissioner for Oaths: Fahad Zohaib Asghar FCILEx
CILEX membership number: 60039032
Telephone/WhatsApp: +44 7944 222484
Email: admin@jisl.co.uk
Website: www.jisl.co.uk
Please send a clear copy of the document before attending and confirm which organisation and country will receive it.
Professional Information
Fahad Zohaib Asghar is a Commissioner for Oaths and Fellow of CILEX.
James Immigration Solutions Ltd is Company No. 15056317.
JISL is also regulated separately by the Immigration Advice Authority at Level 1, organisation reference F202538614. That IAA authorisation relates to immigration advice and is separate from the Commissioner for Oaths service.
The receiving court, authority, embassy, company or organisation determines whether it will accept a document witnessed or certified by a Commissioner for Oaths. We therefore recommend confirming its precise requirements before booking.