Canadian Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor Forms

Key Takeaways

• A Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor is a legal document used when you don’t have a suitable guarantor in place.
• There are three main types of Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor forms in Canada: for Canadian travel documents (PPTC 132), non-Canadian travel documents (PPTC 326), and Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS 83-170E).
• This declaration must be signed under oath before an authorized official, like a notary public or commissioner for oaths.
• General guarantor eligibility varies, but they must typically be a Canadian citizen, over 18, and know the applicant personally.
• You can sign your Declaration in front of a notary public online in 7 minutes with NotaryPro.

You’ll need to have certain parts of your application signed by a guarantor when applying for certain travel documents, like a passport or birth certificate. A guarantor authenticates your identity and corroborates details about you, ensuring that the information in an application or document is accurate.

A guarantor can sign sections in your application and if required, verify your passport photo or copies of documentation proving your identity.

What is a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor?

This Declaration is a document used when you require a guarantor to complete an application or process, but cannot find a suitable one. A guarantor is someone who can verify your identity and confirm that details about you on a document are true. This declaration allows you to legally affirm the reason(s) you don’t have a guarantor, and move forward without one.

Types of Statutory Declarations in Lieu of Guarantor

In Canada, there are three main types of Statutory Declarations in Lieu of Guarantor. Knowing the one you need is important in ensuring you complete the correct paperwork. See each one below.

• Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor for Canadians Applying for a Travel Document (Form PPTC 132). You can download this form for free through NotaryPro, get it from your nearest passport service location, or contact IRCC. 
• Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor for Non-Canadians Applying for a Travel Document (Form PPTC 326). This form applies to refugees, protected persons, stateless persons, and permanent residents. You can download this form for free through NotaryPro, get it from your nearest passport service location, or contact IRCC. If you’re applying from outside of Canada or the United States, contact your closest Canadian embassy or consulate.  
• Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor Registration and Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) (Form 83-170E). You can download this form online through the Government of Canada website. 

When Do You Need a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor?

You typically need this Statutory Declaration when you don’t have a guarantor, but require one to complete government forms or applications. More specifically, you’ll need a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor when:

• Applying for a Canadian passport for the first time.
• Making a copy of or renewing government identification, like a birth certificate or Canadian passport.
• Providing identification that doesn’t meet all acceptable identification requirements.
• When you’re sending certain government applications by mail.
• Applying for a new Secure Status Card or renewing yours (if you’re not eligible for simplified renewal).
• Applying for refugee travel documents or certificates of identity to confirm their identity.
• Completing a name change application in Ontario.
• Completing a Declaration From a Guarantor form to renew your Security Guard or Private Investigator License in Ontario. 

You may also require this Declaration for other reasons. It’s best to ask the agency you’re working with whether you require this form or not.

Signing the Declaration Under Oath or Affirmation

You need to sign this form in the presence of a person authorized by law to administer oaths and affirmations. When meeting with this person, you must swear or affirm/declare that the information you’ve provided in your declaration is true. Doing so holds the same weight as making an oath in court; being intentionally untruthful is considered perjury under the Criminal Code.

You can meet with an authorized official, like a notary public in person, or meet with a notary online in under 7 minutes with NotaryPro. See which other job titles are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations below.

If you’re in Canada, an authorized official can be a:

• notary public
• justice of the peace
• commissioner for oaths
• lawyer

If you’re outside of Canada, an authorized official can be a:

• Canadian or British diplomatic or consular representative
• qualified local official, such as a civil servant or member of Parliament

General Guarantor Eligibility

It’s important to note that the requirements for a guarantor vary depending on the context and the organization involved. Typically, a guarantor should be a person of good standing, often a professional or someone who has known the applicant for a specific period. In general, a guarantor should:

• Be over 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Know you personally, often for a specified period, such as two years.

Each government agency or organization has its own set of rules for choosing a guarantor. It’s best to consult the guidelines of the organization or agency involved to determine the requirements for a guarantor for your situation.​

General Requirements for a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor 

To be legally valid, a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor must include the following elements:

1. Declarant’s Information: Full legal name, address, date of birth, and place of birth.
2. Residency Details: All the addresses you’ve lived at in the past five years.
3. Occupation Information: All of your occupations within the last five years.
4. Reference Details: Information about two references who aren’t your relatives and have known you for at least two years.
5. Your Signature: You must sign the declaration in the presence of a commissioner of oaths, notary public, or another authorized official.

Meet with a Notary to Complete Your Declaration

A Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor ensures continuity in legal and administrative processes when a guarantor is required but unavailable. Understanding the requirements for drafting and completing this declaration will help you quickly remove guarantor-related obstacles. 

Meet with a notary public online to complete your Statutory Declaration from your home or office in 7 minutes today!