Affidavit of Identity

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Have you ever been in a situation where you need to verify your identity? Usually, it happens during financial transactions or when signing important documents like a contract or agreement. Courts, banks, and even landlords, need you to verify your signature and identity. While for some, presenting an identification card is enough, there are times when you need to present a document that proves your identity and witnessed by another person, and signed and sealed by a notary public. This document is called an affidavit of identity. Read More

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What is an Affidavit of Identity?

An Affidavit of Identity, also known as Identity Affidavit, is a specific type of documentation wherein the person affirms and attest their identity with the use of other documents such as driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. Anyone whose identity or signature needs to be verified can create this document and they will be referred to as the Affiant. They are the ones who must attest to the veracity of this legal document. It may seem redundant but it is an important requirement when replacing lost identification papers, when you try to open an account in banks or apply for real estate. This is a sworn oath, so falsifying information or committing perjury is considered a criminal offense.

How To Write An Affidavit of Identity in Five Steps

When it comes to writing your own Affidavit of Identity, there is no one particular format that you need to follow. You can download a template from this website, customize and modify it based on your needs. Follow these five easy steps in order to create an valid Identity Affidavit. 

Think about the purpose of the affidavit

Ask yourself, what do I need an Identity Affidavit for? By knowing the purpose of your document, it would be easier for you to recall and write down all the information required to verify your identity. You just need to make sure that you are complying with the requirements of the institution that asked for it. Keep in mind that all information must be true since you will be writing a statement of truth to attest to the veracity and truthfulness of your affidavit.

Make sure to indicate your identifiable information 

When you create your own document, it should contain identifiable and personal information of the affiant or yourself. Include your full legal name, citizenship, and address. If it’s needed, you may also include your age and date of birth as well as civil status. If the purpose of the affidavit is to support an allegation of fraud, make sure to also include your social security number. 

Include other forms of identification that you rely on

Usually, a signed and notarized affidavit of identity is enough to prove one’s identity. However, it is strongly advised that you include other documentation that can further substantiate your claim and prove your identity. It can be a government issued ID like your passport or driver’s license. Make sure that you swear on these statements using the proper format. 

Identify credible witnesses

There are situations where you, the affiant, do not have other forms of accepted documents for identification. In these cases, you may present credible witnesses for verification in place of a government-issued identification. They must be able to establish that they know the affiant and believe that the affiant is unable to produce and obtain other forms of identification.

Find a notary public and sign your affidavit in their presence

The last step that you need to complete in order to obtain a valid and acceptable affidavit of identity is to find a notary public or an officer of the law who can make oaths. A notary expects to witness your signature so you must sign your affidavit in front of them. This is also their way to verify your identity.

FAQs

What are the purposes of creating an identity affidavit?

There are several instances where an affidavit of identity is needed. These include:

  1. As part of eligibility criteria for people running for government office.
  2. As a requirement in opening accounts or brokerage in banks and other financial institutions.
  3. As a part of the requirements in small claims courts for claimants or complainants or during depositions.
  4. As a proof of relationship to minors for parents and legal guardians.

Can a minor provide their own affidavit of identity?

In situations where a minor is required to provide their own proof of identity, their parents or legal guardians can create an identity affidavit for them and submit it to confirm the child or teenager’s identity. Parents or legal guardians should attach other documentary proof such as school records or the birth certificate of the minor. Always remember that this affidavit is legal and admissible in court so false claims or any form of perjury are illegal.

Do I need to make an Affidavit of Identity if I become a victim of identity theft?

In cases where you became a victim of identity theft, you will need to create an identity affidavit as well. This identity affidavit will be handy when you file state income tax returns or when you’re dealing with credit bureaus, creditors, and other law enforcement agencies.

What happens if I don’t have an affidavit of identity?

If you are required to submit an affidavit of identity to complete certain transactions, it is imperative that you comply with it. Not submitting it on time or as scheduled might result in getting your transactions denied or blocked.

An affidavit of identity is mainly used to authenticate the identity and verify the signature. Without this, the affiant would most likely encounter their transactions blocked, denied or not allowed. In order to accomplish your tasks, you must be able to provide this affidavit to the requesting entity especially when a verified identity is essential to complete the process. By creating this affidavit, you will be able to provide a legal document that says you are who you say you are and establish proof of identity to complete your transactions.