What is a General Affidavit?
A general affidavit (samanya shapat patra) is a legally sworn declaration in which a person states facts, information, or circumstances under oath.
It is the most flexible type of affidavit, used when no specific affidavit format is prescribed by the authority. Whether you need to declare a fact for a bank, government office, educational institution, or for personal legal purposes, a general affidavit serves as a sworn statement of truth.
Note: A general affidavit is a self-declaration sworn before a Notary Public. For specific purposes (name change, income, marriage, etc.), use the specific affidavit designed for that purpose.
When is a General Affidavit Required?
A general affidavit is commonly required in the following situations:
- Address verification — When other proofs are unavailable
- Identity confirmation — For official purposes
- Name confirmation — When name varies across documents
- Employment declaration — For joining formalities
- Educational declarations — For college/school purposes
- Bank declarations — For account-related matters
- Government schemes — Where a sworn statement is required
- Legal proceedings — As supporting evidence in court
- Passport clarifications — For discrepancies in documents
- Insurance claims — For specific declarations
- Property matters — For personal declarations
- Verification of facts — When a sworn statement is needed
Documents Required for General Affidavit
Keep the following documents ready before you begin:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Address proof
- Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
- Two witnesses with valid ID proof
- Non-judicial stamp paper (₹10 / ₹20 / ₹50 / ₹100)
- Any supporting document for the declaration
- Previous ID or certificate (if applicable)
General Affidavit Format — What It Contains
A standard general affidavit format typically includes the following information:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Deponent Name | Full legal name of the person making the declaration |
| Father's / Husband's Name | Relation and name |
| Address | Complete residential address with PIN |
| Date of Birth | As per Aadhaar / birth certificate |
| Occupation | Job, business, student, etc. |
| Purpose of Affidavit | Brief description of the purpose |
| Declaration Statement | Detailed facts being sworn |
| Verification Clause | Statement that facts are true |
| Place & Date | Where and when the affidavit is signed |
| Signature | Deponent + two witnesses |
| Notary Verification | Notary stamp, registration number & seal |
How to Make a General Affidavit — Step by Step
- Fill the online form on AffidavitFormat.com with your name, father's name, address, DOB, and other personal details.
- Choose your language — Hindi, English, or bilingual (Dwibhashi).
- Select the correct stamp paper value for your state — ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, or ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper.
- Click Preview to review the affidavit. Check all details carefully.
- Print the affidavit on the selected stamp paper. If you don't have stamp paper, use e-stamp paper from the SHCIL portal.
- Sign before a Notary Public along with two witnesses. The notary will verify identity and apply their seal.
- Attach supporting documents — as required by the receiving authority.
- Submit to authority — bank, government office, or institution.
Common Uses of General Affidavit
General affidavits are used across a wide range of situations:
| Purpose | Common Scenario |
|---|---|
| Address Declaration | Bank, government office |
| Identity Declaration | Employers, banks, schools |
| Name Verification | When name varies across documents |
| Educational Declaration | Colleges, universities |
| Employment Verification | Joining formalities |
| Bank Declarations | Account opening, KYC, nominee |
| Government Schemes | Welfare schemes, subsidies |
| Court Statements | Legal proceedings, evidence |
| Insurance Declarations | Claims, nominee details |
| Property Declarations | Personal statements |
Important Points to Remember
- The information must be true — a general affidavit is a sworn statement.
- Use the correct stamp paper value as per your state's rules.
- Attach supporting documents where required to strengthen your case.
- Sign only in front of the Notary with two witnesses present.
- Keep multiple notarized copies for future use.
- Do not conceal any fact — concealing can lead to rejection or legal issues.
- For specific purposes (income, caste, marriage), use the specific affidavit format designed for that purpose.
Legal Tip: A general affidavit should mention the specific purpose clearly. Vague or overly broad statements may not be accepted by authorities. Be as specific as possible in the declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A general affidavit is a legally sworn declaration in which a person states facts, information, or circumstances under oath. It is a flexible document used for various legal, official, and personal purposes when no specific affidavit format is prescribed.
A general affidavit is required whenever you need to declare facts under oath for legal, official, or personal purposes. Common uses include address verification, name confirmation, employment declarations, and general verification of information.
Yes. A general affidavit is legally valid in India when it is printed on non-judicial stamp paper, signed by the deponent, witnessed by two witnesses, and notarized by a licensed Notary Public.
You need Aadhaar card, PAN card, address proof, two passport-size photographs, two witnesses with valid ID proof, and non-judicial stamp paper of the applicable value.
A self affidavit is generally used for declaring your own details (identity, address, education). A general affidavit is broader in scope and can include various facts, statements, or circumstances related to any subject matter.
The affidavit format is free on AffidavitFormat.com. You only pay for the non-judicial stamp paper (₹10 to ₹100) and notary charges (usually ₹50 to ₹200).
Yes. A notarized general affidavit can be used in court as supporting evidence or as a sworn statement, provided it is relevant to the matter and properly executed before a Notary Public.
A general affidavit does not have a fixed expiry. However, most authorities prefer it to be issued within 6 to 12 months of submission. It is best to notarize it close to the date of use.
Yes. Most Indian states require the affidavit to be printed on ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, or ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper, depending on the purpose and state rules.
Yes. AffidavitFormat.com provides the general affidavit in Hindi, English, and bilingual (Dwibhashi) formats, which you can print directly from your browser.
Related Affidavit Formats
Ready to Create Your General Affidavit?
Free, instant, and legally valid — fill the form and print in under 5 minutes.
Create General Affidavit