This guide gives information about the use of statements of truth in support of applications to HM Land Registry. It does not purport to give guidance on the use of statements of truth for any other purpose.
It is aimed at members of the public, companies, local authorities, other corporate bodies and conveyancers, and you should interpret references to you accordingly. HM Land Registry staff will also refer to it.
Published 31 January 2011 Last updated 3 January 2023 +show all updates
Section 3 has been updated to clarify that while rule 215A of the Land Registration Rules 2003 does not require a statement of truth to be dated, the registrar has the power to request this (pursuant to rule 17).
Sections 3 and 4 have been amended to correct conflicting guidance and to confirm when a statement of truth can be signed using the Mercury signing method or by way of a conveyancer-certified electronic signature.
Section 3 has been amended as a result of the introduction of new practice guide 82: electronic signatures accepted by HM Land Registry.
Section 3 has been amended to set out the steps to be followed when a statement of truth is signed using either Mercury signing (section 3.1) or an electronic signing platform (section 3.2).
Section 1 has been amended to clarify what we will do if the statement of truth or statutory declaration contains errors or omissions.
Section 3 has been amended to confirm the signature to a statement of truth must be in wet ink. This is not a change in practice.
Section 5 has been amended to clarify our existing requirements for the date of a statement of truth.
Section 1 has been updated to reflect our current practice relating to the use of copy documents for an application for first registration.
The guide had been amended to refer to a new form ST5 created to support applications to cancel Form A restrictions. Link to the advice we offer added.
