How to Make an Affidavit in 5 Simple Steps

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.

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 certificate affidavit
• Bank loans — Using bank affidavit format
• Name change — With name change affidavit
• Marriage registration — Using marriage affidavit
• College admissions — With gap certificate affidavit
• Lost documents — For lost Aadhaar and lost PAN
• Property deals — Using property affidavit
• Domicile proof — With domicile affidavit

Most Common Affidavit Formats

Here are the formats people need most often — all available free on our site:

Step-by-Step: How to Make an Affidavit

1. 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.
2. Fill in your details. Enter your name, father's name, address, date of birth, and any additional details required. Double-check all spellings and dates.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

What Documents Do You Need?

• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
• Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
• Any supporting documents related to the affidavit
• Two witnesses with valid ID proof
• Non-judicial stamp paper

How Much Does It Cost?

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

• Wrong stamp paper value. Each state and purpose has a specific requirement.
• Spelling mistakes. Names and dates must match 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. Always use a current, legally-valid template.
• Forgetting witnesses. Two witnesses with valid ID proof are mandatory.

Popular Affidavit Formats

Quick links to the most-requested formats:

Frequently Asked Questions

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 20+ 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.