Affidavit Format: General Sample and 15 Common Affidavits (India)
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear or affirm to be true before an authorised officer. This page explains the standard structure every Indian affidavit follows and links to fifteen ready formats you can fill in and download.
The structure of an affidavit
- Stamp areaMost affidavits are printed on non-judicial stamp paper or with an e-stamp certificate. The value depends on the State and the purpose.
- TitleAFFIDAVIT, often with the purpose: for change of name, of income, and so on. Court affidavits begin with the court name and case title.
- Deponent details“I, [name], [son/daughter/wife of], aged [age], by occupation [occupation], residing at [address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:”
- Numbered statementsEach fact in its own paragraph starting “That…”. One fact per paragraph makes the affidavit easy to verify.
- Deponent signatureThe person making the affidavit is the deponent and signs here.
- VerificationA short paragraph confirming that the contents of paragraphs 1 to N are true to the best of the deponent’s knowledge and belief, with place and date.
- AttestationThe notary or oath commissioner’s seal, signature and register entry.
General affidavit format
This general format suits most self-declarations an office asks for. Replace the statements with your own facts.
Non-judicial stamp paper or e-stamp certificate of value Rs. ______________ as applicable in the State of ______________
E-stamp certificate No. ______________ Date of issue ______________
Stamp duty depends on the State and the type of document. Confirm the correct value before printing.
AFFIDAVIT
I, Anjali Verma, D/o Shri Rajesh Verma, aged about 29 years, by occupation Service, residing at House No. 21, Sector 15, Rohini, Delhi 110089, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
- That I am a citizen of India and the above address is my permanent residential address.
- That I am submitting this affidavit to the concerned office in support of my application.
- That the information and documents given by me in the application are true and correct.
- That this affidavit is made for submission to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate office, Rohini, Delhi and for no other purpose.
- That I am aware that making a false statement in an affidavit is an offence punishable under law.
DEPONENT
VERIFICATION
Verified at Delhi on 14 October 2026 that the contents of paragraphs 1 to 5 of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
DEPONENT
Solemnly affirmed / sworn before me by the deponent, who is identified to me, on ______________
Notary Public / Oath Commissioner: name ______________ Registration No. ______________
Seal and signature ______________
Registration, if required: Sub-Registrar office ______________ Document No. ______________
Who can attest an affidavit
An affidavit is a statement sworn or affirmed before a person authorised to administer an oath. Under section 139 of the Code of Civil Procedure that includes a court or magistrate, a notary appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952, and an officer appointed by the High Court, usually called an oath commissioner. Section 8 of the Notaries Act lists administering oaths and taking affidavits among a notary’s functions.
Since 2014 the Union government has encouraged offices to accept self-attested declarations instead of affidavits for many purposes. If the form you are filling says “self declaration”, a signed declaration without a notary may be all you need. See the self declaration format.
Choose your affidavit
Name change
Old name to new name, with Gazette steps.
Open formatAffidavitName correction
Fix a spelling mistake in a record.
Open formatAffidavitOne and the same person
Two name forms, one person.
Open formatAffidavitIncome affidavit
Family income declaration for certificates and schemes.
Open formatAffidavitGap year affidavit
Explain a break in studies.
Open formatAffidavitMarriage affidavit
Joint affidavit for marriage registration.
Open formatAffidavitDate of birth
Birth details where records are missing.
Open formatAffidavitAddress proof
Residence declaration.
Open formatAffidavitSingle status
Unmarried declaration for visas and records.
Open formatAffidavitLegal heir
List of heirs of a deceased person.
Open formatAffidavitLost document
Loss of a certificate, bond or card.
Open formatAffidavitHUF affidavit
Karta's declaration for PAN or bank.
Open formatAffidavitHindi shapath patra
General affidavit in Hindi.
Open formatAffidavitWaris nama
Varisnama in Hindi for mutation.
Open formatAffidavitSelf declaration
When a self-attested declaration replaces an affidavit.
Open formatAffidavit writing rules that save a second visit
Do
- Write one fact per numbered paragraph.
- Use names exactly as in your ID documents.
- Mention the purpose and the office it is for.
- Attach copies of documents you refer to.
- Bring original ID to the notary.
Do not
- Sign before you reach the notary.
- State anything you are not sure of; write “to the best of my knowledge” only for matters you genuinely believe.
- Use one affidavit for unrelated purposes.
- Overwrite or correct by hand after attestation.
Giving false evidence, including in an affidavit used in a judicial proceeding, is punishable under section 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which replaced the corresponding Indian Penal Code provisions from 1 July 2024.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of an affidavit in India?
Title, deponent’s name and particulars, numbered statements of fact beginning “That”, the deponent’s signature, a verification paragraph with place and date, and the attestation by a notary or oath commissioner.
Does an affidavit need stamp paper?
Often, but not always. Stamp duty on affidavits is set by each State, and some offices accept affidavits on plain paper. Check with the office that asked for it.
Who can attest an affidavit?
A notary, an oath commissioner appointed by the High Court, or a court or magistrate, as section 139 of the Code of Civil Procedure provides.
What is the difference between an affidavit and a declaration?
An affidavit is sworn or affirmed before an authorised officer. A declaration is signed by you, usually without an oath. Both must be true; an affidavit carries the formality of an oath.
Can I make an affidavit in Hindi?
Yes. See the Hindi affidavit and waris nama formats. Offices that work in English may ask for a translation.
How long is an affidavit valid?
An affidavit does not expire by itself, but most offices want one made recently, often within a few months, so that the facts are current.
Please note: these templates are for general information and are not legal advice. Laws, stamp duty, notarisation and registration rules vary by State. Consult an advocate for your case. This is an independent website, not a law firm and not a government office.