What is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a formally written declaration made under oath or affirmation, confirming that the contents mentioned in the document are true to the best knowledge of the person signing it. This declaration is given in front of an authorized officer, such as a Notary Public, Magistrate, or Oath Commissioner.
In India, affidavits are widely used for legal purposes such as name change, proof of address, declaration of income or assets, and more. The person making the affidavit (called the deponent or affiant) must mention personal details like full name, father's name, age, occupation, and current address.
If any detail changes later, the document should be updated, and such changes must be signed and countersigned by the same authorized officer.
✍️ Structure of an Affidavit
An affidavit must follow a structured format that includes:
-
A clear title or heading indicating the subject of the affidavit
-
A declaration of truth written in the first person
-
Paragraph-wise breakdown of facts or statements
-
Personal identification details of the deponent
-
Signature of the deponent along with the official seal and signature of the notary/magistrate
📘 Definition (Simplified)
An affidavit is a voluntary written statement made under oath, where the individual swears that the facts provided are true. It is used in both legal and administrative proceedings as a form of evidence or record.
⚖️ Affidavit vs Sworn Statement – Key Differences
| Criteria |
Affidavit |
Sworn Statement |
| Meaning |
A formal, notarized statement declared under oath |
A less formal declaration under oath |
| Legal Status |
Legally accepted in courts and government offices |
May or may not be admissible in formal legal proceedings |
| Formality |
Requires proper language, format, and authorization |
Less formal; notarization usually not mandatory |
| Typical Usage |
Court cases, legal filings, government procedures |
Police reports, internal records, informal declarations |
| Structure |
Well-defined structure with proper legal formatting |
Simpler and less rigid in formatting |
🔍 When is an Affidavit Required?
Affidavits are commonly required in situations like:
-
Change of name or address
-
Proof of income or asset ownership
-
Marriage or relationship declarations
-
Lost documents (e.g., marksheets, ID proofs)
-
Admission processes and job applications in certain cases
✅ Conclusion
An affidavit is not just a statement—it's a legally recognized proof backed by an oath. Whether it's a personal declaration or a requirement for a legal matter, submitting a correctly prepared and attested affidavit ensures that your statements carry legal weight and authenticity.
