What documents can a Commissioner for Oaths witness in Singapore?

A Commissioner for Oaths (CO) is authorised under the Oaths and Declarations Act to administer oaths, take affirmations, and witness declarations. If your document is for use within Singapore, a CO is usually all you need, and the process is quicker and cheaper than engaging a Notary Public.

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.

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.