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16 April 2026 · 4 min read

What documents can a Commissioner for Oaths witness in Singapore?

Commissioners for Oaths handle a wide range of everyday legal documents. Here is what they can and cannot do.

A Commissioner for Oaths (CO) is authorised under the Oaths and Declarations Act to administer oaths, take affirmations, and witness declarations. For a statutory declaration or affidavit used in Singapore, a CO is usually all you need, and the process is quicker and cheaper than engaging a Notary Public. If a Singapore agency such as ICA asks for a notarised document, you need a Notary Public instead.

Documents a Commissioner for Oaths can witness

  • Statutory declarations for any purpose (HDB, CPF, immigration, employment, insurance claims).
  • Affidavits for Singapore court proceedings.
  • Oaths of office.
  • Affirmations (a non-religious alternative to swearing an oath).
  • Declarations verifying identity, relationships, change of name, or loss of documents.
  • Witnessing signatures on certain contracts and agreements where a CO is specified.

What a Commissioner for Oaths cannot do

  • Notarise documents for overseas use. Only a Notary Public can produce a Notarial Certificate for international purposes.
  • Issue or request SAL authentication.
  • Certify true copies for use outside Singapore in a way that foreign authorities will accept.
  • Prepare an apostille.
Rule of thumb: if you have been asked for a statutory declaration or affidavit for use in Singapore, a Commissioner for Oaths is enough. If you have been asked to get it notarised, whether for overseas or a Singapore agency like ICA, you need a Notary Public.

Fees

Commissioner for Oaths fees are fixed by law: $25 for the first document and $10 for each additional document signed on the same occasion. Page count is irrelevant. Most law firms accept walk-ins for CO work.

Where to find one

Most practising lawyers in Singapore are automatically appointed as Commissioners for Oaths. You can use the directory on this site to find a firm near you and filter by the "Commissioner" type to see which firms offer this service.

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