Types of Affidavits
Choose the right template to verify property ownership, document delivery, financial details, personal declarations, and more. Each form is tailored to your specific legal need.
Declares that a deceased person's estate is below a certain value so property can quickly go to beneficiaries.
Small Estate Affidavit
Verifies that important documents were delivered, including when and how they were sent.
Affidavit of Service
Certifies where a deceased person lived to help transfer stocks and other assets.
Affidavit of Domicile
Swears that a seller owns a property and that it has no liens or claims against it.
Affidavit of Title
What Is an Affidavit?
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.
| Aspect | Affidavit | Sworn Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization | Required | Not required |
| Legal Weight | More legal weight | Less legal weight |
| Common Use Cases | Court cases | Everyday situations |
| Formality | More formal | Less formal |
How to Write an Affidavit
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.
Affidavit Sample
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.
Make a Legally Valid Affidavit in Minutes
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign an affidavit?
The affiant, the person making the statement of truth, must be of sound mind and aware of what they’re signing. In most cases, they should be at least 18 years old. Minors may sign affidavits with parental consent or legal guidance, but they must be able to understand the legal consequences of their statement.
How do you get an affidavit?
You can create one online using a customizable affidavit template from Legal Templates. Just fill in your statement, sign it in front of a notary, and download a legally valid document in minutes.
What happens after an affidavit is filed?
Once your affidavit is filed, it becomes part of the official record. It can be reviewed by a court, agency, or other party to support your case, verify information, or move a legal process forward.
How much is an affidavit?
Legal Templates provides affordable, customizable affidavit forms for download. Our cost covers the form itself, but you must seek notary services separately. The notary fee can range from $5 to $20, depending on the notary’s location and the document’s contents.
Can an affidavit be handwritten?
An affidavit can be handwritten as long as it contains truthful information and is acknowledged by a notary public. While you can write it by hand, typing it may be preferable to increase its readability.
