Declaration under Penalty of Perjury
(WA)

Summary

This template is a declaration under penalty of perjury that may be used to set forth factual matters in support of or in opposition to a motion in a civil action in Washington. superior court. It may be adapted for use in any other procedural setting in which a party needs to present written testimony in a court proceeding. Unsworn declarations are commonly used in Washington instead of affidavits for convenience because such declarations do not need to be notarized. This template contains practical guidance and drafting notes. Washington law permits the use of an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury in lieu of an affidavit sworn before a notary public, provided that the declaration: • Recites that it is declared by the person to be true under penalty of perjury under the laws of Washington • Is signed by the person –and- • States the date and place of its execution See Rev. Code Wash. §§ 5.50.010(4), (5), 5.50.030(1), 5.50.050; Wash. GR 13(a). This template illustrates the basic structure of such a declaration. The relevant facts of course should be inserted into the template. Note that an unsworn declaration may not be used for depositions, oaths of office, oaths required to be taken before a special official other than a notary public, or declarations to be recorded pursuant to Title 64 or 65, Rev. Code Wash. See Rev. Code Wash. § 5.50.030(2); Wash. GR 13(b).