What is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court. It is a legal document that contains facts that the affiant swears are true.
Steps to Notarize an Affidavit #
Step 1: Verify the Identity of the Affiant #
Before proceeding, ensure that you have valid identification from the affiant. This can include government-issued photo IDs such as a driver’s license or passport.
Step 2: Review the Affidavit Document #
Examine the affidavit for completeness, ensuring all necessary fields are filled out clearly. The document should include:
- Name of the affiant
- Date of the statement
- Signature of the affiant
Step 3: Administer the Affirmation #
Ask the affiant to affirm that the contents of the affidavit are true. This can be done by reading the document aloud or asking the affiant to confirm verbally.
Step 4: Sign and Stamp the Affidavit #
Once the affiant has affirmed the statement, sign the document as the notary public. Apply your notary seal to the affidavit, which serves as official certification of the notarization.
Step 5: Complete the Notarial Certificate #
Fill out the notarial certificate, which should include:
- Date of notarization
- Your signature
- Your notary commission expiration date
Step 6: Record the Notarization #
Make a record of the notarization in your notary journal. This should include the date, type of document, names of all parties involved, and any fees collected.
Final Thoughts #
Notarizing an affidavit is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail and adherence to your local notary laws. Always ensure that you are compliant with all legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
