Ask users forDeclarations

A declaration allows users to confirm that they have understood or agreed to something before they submit an online form.

The following examples show how declarations are used in Home Office services. Use these examples as a guide only and adapt them for your service.

You must ask a legal representative to sign off your declaration content.

When to use this pattern

Use this pattern when there are significant consequences if false information is given and the user needs to confirm that:

• the information they've given is correct
• they understand the consequences of not telling the truth
• they understand the information they have been given
• they need to agree to something

When not to use this pattern

Do not use this pattern to give users complex or complicated information about policy or legislation.

If a bullet list is not needed, instead consider using 'Accept and continue' or 'Agree and continue' buttons along with a statement. For example:

By submitting this application, you are agreeing that the information you have provided is correct.

Writing for this pattern

The declaration should be tailored to the service and include information about what will happen if the user makes a false declaration.

Do:

• make consequences clear using simple language
• refer to the user as 'you' in the text, but 'I' in the action button
• use 'I confirm that' or 'I understand that'
• link out to terms and conditions and privacy policy if needed
• add a checkbox and ask the user to confirm that they understand and agree
• get the content signed off by legal or policy

Do not:

• duplicate terms and conditions or privacy policies
• use the word 'prosecute' unless you are sure this is the case
• use complex legal or policy terms if they can be explained simply
• publish a declaration content that has not been sign off by legal or policy

Error messages

If your service uses this pattern, add the error messages that you have used.

Accessibility

All transactions should be reversible, or confirmation must be required before submission. See the error prevention requirement in the Home Office Accessibility Standard for more information.

Consider alternative ways a user can submit a declaration offline.

If your service uses this pattern, let us know of any insights you have on accessibility considerations.

Research

This pattern is used by:

• Electronic Visa Waiver
• Register to Apply for US Global Entry
• Registered Traveller

More research is needed. If your service uses this pattern, share your user research findings.

Help us improve this pattern

This pattern needs improving. We need evidence about:

• how to write error messages
• user research findings

To contribute, add your thoughts and research findings to our GitHub discussion, or follow our contribute guidance.