How to make an affidavit for name change?

To make an affidavit for name change: state your original name as per birth certificate, declare your new name, mention the reason (marriage, deed poll, etc.), include a verification clause, and notarize on stamp paper. See our name change affidavit page for the exact format.

What are the essential sections of an affidavit?

Essential sections include: title, deponent identification (name, age, parentage, address), numbered declaration paragraphs, verification clause, deponent signature, notary public attestation with seal and registration number, and stamp paper of appropriate value.

Can I write an affidavit without a lawyer?

Yes, you can write an affidavit without a lawyer. Use our step-by-step guide and Affidavit Generator. For complex court affidavits involving legal disputes, consultation with a lawyer is recommended.

What stamp paper is needed for an affidavit?

Affidavits require non-judicial stamp paper. The value varies by state: typically Rs. 10-50 for income/address proof, Rs. 50-100 for name change, and Rs. 100-200 for court affidavits. Purchase from licensed stamp paper vendors.

What common mistakes to avoid when writing an affidavit?

Common mistakes: missing deponent parentage, vague declaration paragraphs, no verification clause, signing before notarization, using wrong stamp paper value, incomplete notary details, and not carrying valid ID proof for notarization.

How to Write an Affidavit — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Q: How to write an affidavit in India?

To write an affidavit in India: start with 'AFFIDAVIT' as the title, write the deponent's full name, age, parentage, and address, state facts in numbered paragraphs, add a verification clause, sign before a Notary Public, and affix notary seal on stamp paper.

Q: How to create an affidavit form?

To create an affidavit form: use our Affidavit Generator to fill your details and generate a formatted document. The form includes fields for deponent details, declaration paragraphs, and automatically adds verification and notary sections.

Q: How to start an affidavit?

Start an affidavit with the word 'AFFIDAVIT' centered at the top. Then begin with: 'I, [Full Name], aged [Age] years, [son/daughter/spouse] of [Parent/Spouse Name], residing at [Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:'

Learn how to write an affidavit for any purpose. This guide covers how to make affidavit for name change, income proof, address proof, and court use, including the correct format, essential sections, and notarization process.

Last updated: June 2026 | Applies across India

✓ Step-by-Step ✓ 5 Sections ✓ Legal Guide ✓ Free Template ✓ India Law

How to Write an Affidavit — Overview

Knowing how to write an affidavit correctly is essential whether you are making a name change declaration, income proof, address proof, or a court submission. An affidavit is a sworn written statement of facts made voluntarily before a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner. A properly drafted affidavit protects your legal interests and ensures acceptance by authorities.

This guide teaches you how to write an affidavit step by step, covering every section, the correct language, and notarization requirements. If you prefer a ready-made format, use our Affidavit Generator or view the standard format.

How to Make an Affidavit — Before You Start

Before learning how to make an affidavit, gather these details:

Full name, age, and father/husband name of the deponent
Complete residential address
Clear facts to be declared (numbered points)
Purpose of the affidavit (name change, income, address, etc.)
Stamp paper of appropriate value for your state
Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID) for notarization

How to Write an Affidavit — 5-Step Process

1Write the Title and Deponent Introduction

Start with "AFFIDAVIT" centered at the top. Then write the deponent introduction line: "I, [Full Name], aged [Age] years, son/daughter/spouse of [Parent/Spouse Name], residing at [Complete Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:". This establishes the identity of the person making the sworn statement.

2Write the Declaration Paragraphs

State the facts in numbered paragraphs. Each paragraph should contain one distinct fact or claim. Use clear, specific language in the first person. For example, for an name change affidavit: "1. My original name as per my birth certificate is [Old Name]. 2. I have changed my name to [New Name] after marriage." Be precise and avoid vague statements.

3Add the Verification Clause

The verification clause confirms the truthfulness of the contents. Write: "I, the above-named deponent, do hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom. Verified at [City] on this [Date]." This is a mandatory legal requirement under the Oaths Act, 1969.

4Sign as Deponent

Add the DEPONENT section with space for signature, printed name, and date. Important: Do not sign before going to the Notary. You must sign in the presence of the Notary Public for the affidavit to be legally valid.

5Get Notarized

The final section is for the Notary Public. The notary will write: "SOLEMNLY AFFIRMED AND SIGNED before me on this [Date] at [City]." The notary then signs, stamps with their official seal, and records their registration number. Carry your original ID proof for verification. Notary fees are typically Rs. 25-50.

Use Our Affidavit Generator Instead →

How to Start an Affidavit — Opening Line Examples

Knowing how to start an affidavit correctly sets the legal tone. Here are standard opening lines for different purposes:

General Affidavit: "I, [Name], aged [Age] years, son of [Father Name], residing at [Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:"
Name Change Affidavit: "I, [Name], aged [Age] years, daughter of [Father Name], residing at [Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:"
Income Affidavit: "I, [Name], aged [Age] years, son of [Father Name], residing at [Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:"

Affidavit Writing Template — Quick Reference

AFFIDAVIT I, [Deponent Name], aged [Age] years, [son/daughter/spouse] of [Parent/Spouse Name], residing at [Complete Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows: 1. [First declaration — state fact clearly] 2. [Second declaration — state fact clearly] 3. [Third declaration — state fact clearly] VERIFICATION I, the above-named deponent, do hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom. Verified at [City] on this [Date]. DEPONENT Signature: ___________________ Name: [Deponent Name] SOLEMNLY AFFIRMED AND SIGNED before me on this [Date] at [City]. NOTARY PUBLIC Signature: ___________________ Name: [Notary Name] Seal: [NOTARY SEAL] Registration No.: ___________________

For purpose-specific formats, visit name change affidavit, birth certificate affidavit, or Bihar affidavit format. For Hindi, see affidavit format in Hindi.

Essential Sections of an Affidavit

Every affidavit must include these five sections:

Title: "AFFIDAVIT" — the document heading
Deponent Identification: Full name, age, parentage, address
Body of Declaration: Numbered paragraphs stating facts
Verification Clause: Oath confirming truthfulness
Notary Attestation: Signed and sealed by Notary Public

Common Mistakes When Writing an Affidavit

Missing deponent parentage: Father/husband name is mandatory for identification
Vague declaration: Facts must be specific, numbered, and clear
No verification clause: The oath/verification is a legal requirement
Signing before notarization: Always sign in the notary's presence
Wrong stamp paper: Use correct value for your state and purpose
Missing notary registration number: The notary's registration number must be visible

Avoid these mistakes by using our Affidavit Generator which automatically includes all required sections.

How to Make Affidavit for Different Purposes

The core structure remains the same, but each purpose requires specific facts:

Name Change Affidavit: Original name, new name, reason (marriage/deed poll), newspaper publication details — see name change page
Birth Certificate Affidavit: Child's details, birth date, place of birth, parent names — see birth certificate page
Income Affidavit: Annual income, sources of income, occupation details
Address Proof Affidavit: Duration of residence, reason for no other documents