If you've ever applied for a passport, changed your name, or needed income proof for a visa, chances are you were asked for an affidavit. Yet most people have only a vague idea of what it actually is. Let's break it down completely.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person (called the "deponent") swears to be true. It is signed before a notary public or a First Class Judicial Magistrate. Once sworn and signed, it becomes a legally valid document that can be used as evidence in court and accepted by government departments, banks, and educational institutions.
The key elements of every affidavit are:
- Title — "Affidavit" with the type (e.g., "Affidavit for Name Change")
- Deponent's details — full name, age, address, and occupation
- Statement of facts — what you are declaring to be true
- Verification clause — "I, the above-named deponent, solemnly affirm that the contents are true to the best of my knowledge"
- Signature + notary seal
Types of Affidavits Commonly Used in India
1. Name Change Affidavit
Used when you want to legally change your name — after marriage, divorce, or personal choice. You declare your old name and new name, and the reason for the change. This is then published in a local gazette and submitted to Aadhaar, PAN, and other departments.
2. Income Affidavit
Used to declare your annual income when you don't have a formal salary slip — common for self-employed individuals, farmers, and daily-wage workers. Accepted by courts for legal aid applications, schools for fee waivers, and government schemes.
3. Address Proof Affidavit
When you live at an address that is not in your name (such as a rented house or a relative's home), an address affidavit serves as proof. Banks, government offices, and universities accept it.
4. Lost Document Affidavit
If you've lost your Aadhaar, PAN, marksheet, or any other important document, an affidavit stating the loss is required before getting a duplicate. You declare that the original was lost, not misused, and is now invalid.
5. Date of Birth Affidavit
Used when your date of birth differs across documents (e.g., school certificate vs Aadhaar). Courts, passport offices, and banks accept this affidavit to reconcile discrepancies.
6. Single Name / Surname Affidavit
Many people in India use only a single name. This affidavit confirms that the person with one name in one document is the same as the person with a full name in another document.
7. NRI / OCI Affidavit
Used by Non-Resident Indians to declare their residential status or property ownership for legal, banking, or tax purposes in India.
When Do You Actually Need an Affidavit?
| Situation | Affidavit Type |
|---|---|
| Getting a passport with name mismatch | Name change / DOB affidavit |
| Child school admission (income proof) | Income affidavit |
| Opening a bank account (address proof) | Address proof affidavit |
| Lost driving license or RC | Lost document affidavit |
| EPFO / PF claim with name discrepancy | Name change affidavit |
| Property transaction (NRI seller) | NRI status affidavit |
Affidavit vs Notarised Document — What's the Difference?
People often confuse these two. An affidavit is a sworn statement — you are declaring facts. A notarised document is any document (agreement, certificate) that a notary certifies as authentic. All affidavits need to be notarised, but not all notarised documents are affidavits.
Is a False Affidavit a Crime?
Yes. Under Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code, giving false evidence in a judicial proceeding — which includes swearing a false affidavit — is punishable with up to 7 years of imprisonment. Always ensure every fact you state in an affidavit is accurate.
How to Get an Affidavit Online
The traditional way involved visiting a lawyer, waiting for drafting, then visiting a notary. Today, verified platforms let you:
- Select the affidavit type
- Fill in your personal details online
- Get an advocate-drafted affidavit PDF instantly
- Take it to any notary for the final stamp and signature (takes 5 minutes)
goLex generates notary-ready affidavits for name change, income proof, address proof, lost documents, DOB correction, and 8 other types. Download your PDF in under 2 minutes.