Kansas § 53-601 - Unsworn declarations; written declaration sufficient, form; exceptions; relationship to notarial acts

Full text of Kansas Kansas Statutes Annotated § 53-601 — Unsworn declarations; written declaration sufficient, form; exceptions; relationship to notarial acts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 53-601. Unsworn declarations; written declaration sufficient, form; exceptions; relationship to notarial acts

53-601. Unsworn declarations; written declaration sufficient, form; exceptions; relationship to notarial acts. (a) Except as provided by subsection (b), whenever a law of this state or any rules and regulations, order or requirement adopted or issued thereunder requires or permits a matter to be supported, evidenced, established or proved by the sworn written declaration, verification, certificate, statement, oath or affidavit of a person, such matter may be supported, evidenced, established or proved with the same force and effect by the unsworn written declaration, verification, certificate or statement dated and subscribed by the person as true, under penalty of perjury, in substantially the following form:(1) If executed outside this state: "I declare (or verify, certify or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Kansas that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date).___________________________(Signature)"(2) If executed in this state: "I declare (or verify, certify or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date).___________________________ (Signature)"(b) The provisions of subsection (a) do not apply to the following oaths:(1) An oath of office.(2) An oath required to be taken before a specified official other than a notary public.(3) An oath of a testator or witnesses as required for wills, codicils, revocations of wills and codicils and republications of wills and codicils.(c) A notarial act performed prior to the effective date of this act is not affected by this act. Nothing in this act diminishes or invalidates the recognition accorded to notarial acts by other laws of this state or rules and regulations adopted thereunder.(d) On or after July 1, 1989, whenever an officer or partner listed in K.S.A. 17-2718(d), 17-7503(e), 17-7504(e), 17-7505(e), 56-1a606(e) or 56-1a607(e), and amendments thereto, is required to execute a report before a notary or swear an oath before an officer authorized to administer oaths, in lieu thereof, such person may execute an unsworn declaration if such declaration is in substantial conformity with subsections (a), (b) and (c) of this section.(e) On or after July 1, 1990, subsections (a), (b) and (c) of this section shall have general application.History: L. 1989, ch. 93, § 1; L. 2021, ch. 61, § 38; January 1, 2023.

Source: official Kansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas § 53-601

What does Kansas Statutes Annotated § 53-601 cover?

Section 53-601 ("Unsworn declarations; written declaration sufficient, form; exceptions; relationship to notarial acts") is part of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of Kansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Kansas § 53-601?

A common citation format is "Kansas Statutes Annotated § 53-601" (Kansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Kansas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Kansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Kansas attorney.

How does Kansas § 53-601 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Kansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Kansas.