How to Notarize an Affidavit of Identity
An affidavit of identity confirms who you are when documents don't match or in cases of identity theft. Learn how to get one notarized online.
Need to prove your identity for a legal or financial matter? Get your affidavit of identity notarized online.
Get Notarized Online — 15 MinutesRemote Online Notarization. Video-based. Legally valid in all 50 states.
At a glance
- Notarization required: Yes
- Witnesses required: No (most states)
What is an Affidavit of Identity?
An affidavit of identity is a sworn statement in which you attest to your own identity. It is a foundational legal document used to resolve discrepancies and provide proof of personhood in formal proceedings.
Common Use Cases
- Identity Theft: Proving to a bank or credit bureau that you did not authorize certain actions.
- Name Mismatches: Reconciling documents that use different versions of your name (e.g., John D. Smith vs. John David Smith).
- Lost Documentation: Providing a sworn statement to a government agency when original birth certificates or passports are missing.
- Real Estate: Confirming that you are the person named in a title search or deed when a common name leads to confusion.
What the Affidavit Should Include
- Your Full Legal Name: As it should appear on official records.
- Biographic Details: Date of birth and Social Security number (sometimes truncated).
- The Identity Statement: A clear statement declaring that you are indeed the person named.
- Reason for the Affidavit: Brief explanation of why the statement is being made.
- Signature: Signed under oath in front of the notary.
Online Notarization Process
Remote Online Notarization is particularly effective for affidavits of identity because the platform itself performs rigorous multi-factor identity verification before you even meet with the notary. Once verified, the notary witnesses your signature over video and applies a digital seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an affidavit of identity used for?
- It is used when your legal name doesn't match a document, when you lose your ID, to verify employment (I-9), or as part of a package to resolve identity theft with credit bureaus and banks.
- How does a notary verify identity online?
- Online notaries use a process called 'Credential Analysis' (validating your ID's security features) and 'Knowledge-Based Authentication' (asking questions only you would know based on your credit history) before the video call starts.
- Does an affidavit of identity replace a government ID?
- No. It is a supporting document that provides a sworn statement of your identity. It is often used to *get* a new government ID or to satisfy a third party that the person named on a document is indeed you.
- Can I use an affidavit of identity for name discrepancies?
- Yes. This is a common use case—for example, when a bank account is in your maiden name but your ID is in your married name, or when a middle name is omitted on a deed.
- Is a notarized affidavit of identity legally binding?
- Yes. It is a sworn statement made under penalty of perjury. It carries significant legal weight in court and with financial institutions.
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