Form LOC024: Statutory Declaration for a Minor's Deed Poll

At a glance

• What it is: Form LOC024 is a statutory declaration, sworn by an independent adult, that GOV.UK requires as part of enrolling a child's new name with the High Court. It is one of four forms in the bundle, alongside LOC022 (the deed poll), LOC023 (the affidavit of best interest), and LOC028 (an exhibit cover sheet).
• Not needed for an unenrolled deed poll: if you use an unenrolled deed poll made privately through a solicitor or a specialist deed poll agency instead of going through the court, LOC024 does not apply.
• Who can be the declarant: an independent adult who has known you for 10 years or longer, is a British or Commonwealth citizen, and is a UK householder. They cannot be your husband, wife, civil partner, or any other relative by birth or marriage.
• Known the applicant less than 10 years? GOV.UK allows this if you add an extra witness statement in a set form of words; a judge then decides whether to accept it.
• Where it's sworn: in front of a solicitor, a commissioner for oaths, or an officer of the court at the Royal Courts of Justice. A court fee of £14 applies if sworn in court; check GOV.UK for the current fee if using a solicitor or commissioner for oaths instead.
• Making a false declaration is a criminal offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 — up to 2 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
• If the other parent hasn't agreed: you need either the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility or a family court order (a specific issue order under section 8 of the Children Act 1989) before the enrolment can go ahead.

What Form LOC024 is

A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact, sworn in front of an authorised person, under the framework set out in the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. It carries legal weight because knowingly making a false one is a criminal offence.

Form LOC024 is the version of this document that GOV.UK requires specifically for enrolling a child's deed poll with the High Court. When you apply — online or by post — HM Courts and Tribunals Service sends you four forms to complete: LOC022, LOC023, LOC024 and LOC028. LOC024 is completed by an independent adult, known as the declarant, who confirms to the court who you are.

This form only comes into play if you are using the court enrolment route. GOV.UK sets out a second option — an unenrolled deed poll made through a solicitor or a specialist deed poll agency — which does not involve LOC024 at all, though some organisations (such as certain banks or utility providers) may insist on an enrolled deed poll before they will update their records, so it is worth checking with the organisation you need to satisfy.

Who can be the declarant

The declarant does not need any special qualification, but GOV.UK sets firm requirements:

• They must have known you for 10 years or longer.
• They must be a British or Commonwealth citizen.
• They must be a householder in the UK — someone who owns or rents their own home there, or is responsible for paying household bills and expenses.
• They cannot be your husband, wife, civil partner, or any other relative by birth or marriage. A friend or colleague is acceptable.

If you have not known anyone for 10 years or longer, you are not automatically stuck. GOV.UK allows you to include an additional witness statement explaining why, using specific wording that confirms the statement is true and that court proceedings for contempt can follow if it is not. The declarant must still complete the statutory declaration form as normal; a judge decides whether the enrolment can proceed on that basis.

The declarant can also act as one of the two witnesses who sign the LOC022 deed poll form itself.

How to complete and swear the declaration

1. Check you're using the right form for the right route. LOC024 is for enrolling a child's deed poll with the High Court, not for an unenrolled deed poll.
2. Identify your declarant using the criteria above, and check they are willing to swear a formal declaration on your behalf.
3. Complete the form accurately. The declarant records their own details and confirms what they know about you and the child. Do not sign or date it before attending the swearing appointment.
4. Swear the declaration in front of a solicitor, a commissioner for oaths, or an officer of the court. To use an officer of the court, you must call the Deed Poll Team to book an appointment at the Royal Courts of Justice; alternatively, GOV.UK's find a legal adviser service can help you locate a solicitor or commissioner for oaths.
5. Pay the fee. This is £14 if the oath or affirmation is made in court; the fee may be different with a solicitor or commissioner for oaths, so check GOV.UK for the current amount either way.
6. Post the completed, sworn form to the Deed Poll Office along with LOC022, LOC023 and LOC028, plus the required supporting documents (including the child's full birth certificate).

If parental consent is missing or disputed

Enrolling a child's deed poll needs either the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order — GOV.UK is clear that you must try to reach agreement first. LOC024 itself does not resolve a disagreement between parents; it only confirms who the applicant is.

Where agreement genuinely cannot be reached, the parent seeking the change can apply to the family court for a specific issue order under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, using form C100. A court fee applies (check GOV.UK for the current amount), and help with fees may be available if you are on benefits or a low income. Because these applications turn on the specific facts of the family's situation, it is worth taking advice before you proceed if you expect the other parent to object.

This guide provides general information about Form LOC024 and how it fits into enrolling a child's deed poll in England and Wales. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always check GOV.UK for the current forms, fees and process before you apply.

Last reviewed: August 2026 by a non-practising solicitor · Next review due: August 2027 or on GOV.UK process change.