Affidavit Templates

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear to be true under oath or affirmation. To be legally valid, it must be signed in the presence of a notary public, who verifies your identity and confirms that you’re signing voluntarily and without coercion.

Because an affidavit is both sworn and notarized, it carries significant legal weight. Courts, government agencies, and financial institutions can rely on affidavits as credible evidence.

What Is an Affidavit Used For?

Affidavits are used in a wide range of legal, personal, and financial situations. Common uses include:

• Submitting evidence in court cases
• Proving residency, identity, or relationship status
• Supporting financial disclosures or loan applications
• Confirming details in real estate, business, or insurance matters

They help provide a sworn statement of fact when in-person testimony or documentation is not available or practical.

Affidavit vs. Sworn Statement

An affidavit must be notarized and is typically used in legal settings. A sworn statement doesn’t require notarization and is more informal, often used for everyday declarations.

Writing an affidavit form can help you procure a solid piece of evidence to prove your observations or circumstances. Below, you can learn how to write an affidavit form with confidence.

1. Determine the Purpose of the Affidavit

Start by identifying why you need the affidavit—whether it’s for residency, property ownership, financial matters, or something else. This ensures you choose the right form and include relevant details. Also, check local requirements, as some jurisdictions have specific formatting or language rules.

2. Gather Supporting Information

Think through what you’re affirming and collect any documents that back it up. For example, if you’re confirming where you live, attach a lease agreement or utility bill. These attachments, called exhibits, boost your affidavit’s credibility.

3. Draft Your Statement

Begin with your full name and current address. Then, clearly state the facts you’re swearing to—organized, truthful, and specific. If making multiple statements, separate them for clarity. Double-check names, dates, and facts for accuracy before moving on.

4. Include Witnesses (If Required)

Most affidavits only need a notary’s signature, but some—like an affidavit of heirship—may also require witnesses. If yours does, be sure they’re present and meet any legal criteria (such as being disinterested parties).

5. Sign in Front of a Notary

When your affidavit is ready, sign it in front of a notary public, not beforehand. The notary will verify your identity, ensure you’re signing voluntarily, and then add a notary acknowledgment — a signed and sealed section that confirms the affidavit was properly executed. This acknowledgment is what gives the affidavit its legal standing.

Once notarized, submit your affidavit to the appropriate party, such as a court, government office, or private organization. Follow any specific submission requirements to avoid delays or rejections.

Review the sample affidavit form below to see an outline of what your declarations will look like when you record them on paper. When you’re ready, you can use our document builder to edit this template to be tailored to your needs and then download it in PDF or Word format.

This is a document preview. Your customized version will be created after you answer a few quick questions.

IN THE __________ [Court and jurisdiction]

__________,

Plaintiff

vs.

__________,

Defendant

Case No. ____________________

AFFIDAVIT

State of __________

County of __________

I, ___________, of __________, __________, __________ __________ [Address] do hereby swear

under oath that:

1. _______________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________________

Under penalty of perjury, I hereby declare and affirm that the above stated facts, to the best of my

knowledge, are true and correct.

DATED this ___ day of ___________, 20___

Signature

Printed Name

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

State of __________

)

) (Seal)

County of __________

)

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _______ day of __________________,

20_____, by the undersigned, __________, who is personally known to me or satisfactorily proven to me

to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument.

_____________________________________

Signature

_____________________________________

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ________________

Legal Templates allows you to easily create affidavits to confirm the truth of your statements. Whether you’re proving residency, handling an estate, or submitting a statement for court, a well-structured affidavit ensures your claims are legally accepted. Legal Templates makes this process simple with clear, customizable forms that meet legal standards.

Simply go into our document builder and write your statements of truth. Then, save the form as a PDF or Word document and print it out for signing. Once you meet with a notary public, they can watch you sign your name and certify your statements.