If you've ever needed to submit a legal document for a scholarship, bank loan, passport, name change, or government scheme, chances are someone asked you for an affidavit. But what exactly is it, and how do you make one?
In this complete guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about making an affidavit in India — including the format, stamp paper, notarization, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is an Affidavit?
An affidavit (शपथ पत्र in Hindi) is a written statement of facts that you swear to be true. It's made voluntarily, signed in the presence of a Notary Public or authorized officer, and is legally binding.
Think of it as your formal promise — in writing — that the information you're providing is accurate. If you provide false information, you can face legal consequences under the Indian Penal Code.
Simple definition: An affidavit is a legally valid declaration that you sign under oath, usually before a Notary Public, with two witnesses present.
When Do You Need an Affidavit?
Affidavits are required for a wide range of purposes in India. Some of the most common situations include:
- Scholarships — For income proof and gap certificate
- Passport — For name change, marriage, and address proof
- Bank loans — For income and address verification
- Property transactions — For ownership declaration
- College admissions — For gap certificate and caste proof
- Government schemes — For various welfare programs
- Lost documents — For Aadhaar, PAN, and other ID proofs
- Legal proceedings — As supporting evidence in court
Types of Affidavits in India
There are dozens of affidavit types, but here are the most commonly required:
| Affidavit Type | Common Use |
|---|---|
| Income Affidavit | Scholarship, government schemes, loans |
| Name Change Affidavit | Aadhaar, PAN, Passport updates |
| Marriage Affidavit | Passport, visa, bank |
| Gap Certificate Affidavit | College admissions, jobs |
| Address Proof Affidavit | Bank KYC, government offices |
| Self Affidavit | General declarations |
| Lost Aadhaar Affidavit | Duplicate Aadhaar application |
| Lost PAN Card Affidavit | Duplicate PAN card application |
You can generate any of these formats free on our affidavit generator.
Step-by-Step: How to Make an Affidavit
Making an affidavit is a simple 5-step process. Here's exactly how to do it:
- Choose the right format. Decide which type of affidavit you need (income, name change, marriage, etc.). Use our free online generator or your state's prescribed format.
- Fill in your details. Enter your name, father's name, address, date of birth, and any additional details required for the specific affidavit. Double-check all spellings and dates.
- Print on stamp paper. Print the affidavit on the correct non-judicial stamp paper value — typically ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, or ₹100 depending on your state and purpose.
- Sign in front of a Notary Public. Visit a licensed Notary Public. Sign the affidavit in their presence with two witnesses. The notary will verify your ID, attest the document, and apply their official seal.
- Submit to the authority. Submit the notarized affidavit to the concerned authority — scholarship portal, bank, college, passport office, or government department.
What Stamp Paper Do You Need?
The stamp paper value depends on your state and the purpose of the affidavit. Here's a quick reference:
| State | Typical Stamp Paper Value |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹10 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Maharashtra | ₹100 / ₹500 |
| Karnataka | ₹20 / ₹50 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹20 |
| West Bengal | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Gujarat | ₹20 / ₹100 |
Important: Always confirm the required stamp paper value with the receiving authority before purchasing. Rules vary by state and purpose.
What Documents Do You Need?
Depending on the type of affidavit, keep these documents ready:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
- Any supporting documents related to the affidavit (e.g., marriage certificate, income proof, marksheets)
- Two witnesses with valid ID proof
- Non-judicial stamp paper
How Much Does It Cost?
Making an affidavit in India is quite affordable:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Affidavit Format (on AffidavitFormat.com) | Free |
| Stamp Paper | ₹10 to ₹500 (state-dependent) |
| Notary Charges | ₹50 to ₹200 per affidavit |
| Advocate Fee (if required) | ₹500 to ₹5,000 |
So if you make the affidavit yourself using our free generator, your total cost is typically just ₹60 to ₹300 — mostly for stamp paper and notary fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common errors people make when creating an affidavit:
- Wrong stamp paper value. Each state and purpose has a specific requirement. Using the wrong value can get your affidavit rejected.
- Spelling mistakes. Names and dates must match your Aadhaar or other official documents exactly.
- Signing before reaching the notary. Your signature must be witnessed by the notary and two witnesses.
- Not attaching supporting documents. Many authorities require proof along with the affidavit.
- Using an outdated format. Laws and formats change. Always use a current, legally-valid template.
- Forgetting witnesses. Two witnesses with valid ID proof are mandatory in most affidavits.
Pro Tip: Always keep 2-3 notarized copies of your affidavit. You'll often need them for different authorities.
Can You Make an Affidavit Online?
Yes! You can prepare your affidavit online using our free tool, but the notarization step must be done in person. The process is:
- Fill the online form on AffidavitFormat.com
- Preview the affidavit and check all details
- Print it on the correct stamp paper
- Visit a Notary Public with two witnesses
- Sign, notarize, and submit
Frequently Asked Questions
Making an affidavit typically costs ₹10 to ₹100 for stamp paper and ₹50 to ₹200 for notary charges. The affidavit format itself is free on AffidavitFormat.com.
Yes, you can prepare an affidavit yourself using a free format. However, it must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public with two witnesses to be legally valid.
Most affidavits require ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, or ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper, depending on the state and purpose.
No, most affidavits required for official or legal purposes must be notarized by a licensed Notary Public to be considered valid.
An affidavit does not have a fixed expiry date, but many authorities prefer it to be within 6 to 12 months of issuance.
Final Thoughts
Making an affidavit in India is simpler than most people think. With the right format, correct stamp paper, and a visit to the Notary Public, you can have a legally valid affidavit ready in under an hour.
At AffidavitFormat.com, we provide 26+ free affidavit formats in Hindi and English — with bilingual support, stamp paper options, QR code, and digital signature placeholders. Everything is free and ready to print.