Documents / Personal & Family
Affidavit (General)
A sworn written statement of facts, signed before a notary, for use in court, financial, or administrative matters.
Time
~5 min
Questions
7
Steps
2
Export
PDF · Word
You will answer guided questions with a live preview, then export, share, or send for e-signature. Free during launch.
What we will cover
- 01
The Affiant
The affiant is the person swearing to the facts. This affidavit must be signed before a notary public.
- 02
The Sworn Statements
- 03
Review and generate
AI review, edits, export, and e-signature.
About this document
An affidavit is a written statement of facts you swear to under oath — used for title transfers, insurance claims, small-estate filings, correcting a name discrepancy, or supporting a motion in court. Its value is evidentiary: it converts your account of what happened into something a court, an agency, or an insurer can rely on and act upon, with your name and your legal exposure attached to it.
The formality that makes it an affidavit is the oath, so it must be sworn before a notary public. Do not sign it in advance — the notary has to watch you sign and administer the oath, and you will need government-issued photo identification. State only facts you personally observed, with dates and amounts; opinions, guesses, and things you were told by someone else weaken the document and can be struck.
Common questions
Does an affidavit have to be notarized?+
Yes. Notarization by a notary who administers the oath is what distinguishes an affidavit from an ordinary letter, and a recipient who asked for an affidavit will reject one that is merely signed. Sign only in the notary's presence, and bring photo ID.
What is the difference between an affidavit and a sworn declaration?+
An affidavit is sworn before a notary; a declaration is signed under penalty of perjury without one. Federal courts and many state courts accept declarations for most purposes, which saves a trip to the notary. Banks, title companies, and government agencies usually still want the notarized affidavit, so follow what the recipient asks for.
What happens if something in my affidavit turns out to be wrong?+
Knowingly swearing to a false statement is perjury, a criminal offense, and it can also destroy your credibility in the underlying matter. An honest mistake is different — correct it promptly with a supplemental or corrected affidavit sent to everyone who received the original. If you are not certain of a fact, either leave it out or say plainly what you know and how you know it.
General information, not legal advice — laws vary by state and change over time.
Related documents
Power of Attorney (Financial)
Authorize a trusted person to manage your finances, property, and legal affairs — durable or non-durable, effective now or upon incapacity.
Medical Power of Attorney
Appoint a trusted healthcare agent to make medical decisions for you if a physician certifies you cannot make them yourself.
Last Will and Testament
Direct who inherits your property, name an executor, and appoint a guardian for minor children.