What Is an Affidavit of Identity?
An affidavit of identity is a legal document used to verify an individual’s identity when standard forms of identification are missing, expired, or don’t match official records. It must be signed and notarized to be legally binding.
By signing an affidavit of identity, you confirm that the information you’ve provided is true and accurate. This may include your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. With this form, you can prove who you are when other ID forms are unavailable or not accepted.
When to Use an Affidavit of Identity
An affidavit of identity can be used as proof of identity for legal, financial, and administrative reasons. It’s helpful when the requesting organization won’t accept a government ID by itself, or your ID has inconsistencies (like a typo or the use of a nickname). Here are some instances when you may need to submit an identity affidavit:
- Fixing a name mismatch across records
- Replacing a lost or expired ID
- Responding to identity theft
- Opening a bank account
- Conducting a financial or real estate transaction remotely
- Applying for a passport or another type of government identification
- Confirming your identity after a name change
- Filing official documents like DMV paperwork, tax returns, or employee forms
If you’ve experienced identity theft, the IRS may ask you to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) to help resolve fraud and verify your identity.
How to Write an Affidavit of Identity
Writing an affidavit of identity is straightforward, but you need to follow a clear structure and include all the relevant information to prove your identity. Using Legal Templates’s affidavit of identity can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure you include all relevant details required for identity verification.
When completing your form, follow these key steps:
Step 1 – Enter Your Identifying Information
Start by entering the following details:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Residential address
- Phone number
The details you provide here should match official records. If you’re using the form to correct a spelling error, be extra careful and confirm that the information is correct.
If you’re using this form to verify your home address, you may also need an affidavit of residency to prove where you live.
Step 2 – Explain Why the Affidavit is Needed
Clearly explain the purpose of using the affidavit of identity form and state the reason, such as:
- A lost or stolen ID
- A discrepancy between names on legal documents
- A need to verify your identity after identity theft
Keep your explanation simple, factual, and relevant to the purpose of the affidavit.
Step 3 – Specify the Form of ID You’ll Provide
When completing an affidavit of identity, you’ll need a valid government-issued ID to confirm who you are. Only certain types of identification are accepted for this purpose.
| Acceptable Forms | Unacceptable Forms |
|---|---|
| State-issued driver's license | Social Security card |
| State-issued identification card | Birth certificate |
| Valid US passport | School ID |
| US military ID | Credit or debit card |
| Permanent resident card (also known as a green card) | Employee ID card from a city, county, or state agency |
Some states may also accept a foreign passport or driver’s license from Canada or Mexico.
What if I Don't Have an Acceptable Photo ID?
If you don’t have a valid government-issued photo ID, some states may allow you to submit a combination of secondary documents, such as a utility bill, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
In some situations, you may also be able to use credible witness verification. This involves someone who knows you personally and can verify you are who you say you are. They must meet the following requirements:
- Be able to confirm that you cannot reasonably obtain a valid photo ID
- Have their own valid government-issued ID
- Have no financial interest in the transaction
Step 4 – Sign and Notarize the Form
Double-check all the information you’ve added on the form for accuracy. Once confirmed, you must sign the affidavit before a notary public. The notary will verify your identity and add a notary acknowledgment, which makes the document legally valid.
Notarization is important because it shows that the statement was signed voluntarily and under oath, which gives it legal standing if submitted to a bank, court, or government office.
Sample Affidavit of Identity
View our sample affidavit of identity form to see how to fill out the document properly. Follow our step-by-step questionnaire to fill out the form, then download your affidavit as a PDF or Word file. You can also get a free printable affidavit of identity to confirm your identity when a standard ID isn’t available or accepted.
