How to Notarize a General Affidavit
A general affidavit is a sworn statement used in legal, financial, and personal matters. Get yours notarized online in under 15 minutes.
Need a sworn statement notarized quickly? A general affidavit can be notarized online in 15 minutes.
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 a General Affidavit?
A general affidavit is the most flexible notarized document. It is a sworn written statement in which you attest, under penalty of perjury, that certain facts are true to the best of your knowledge.
Unlike specific-purpose affidavits (affidavit of heirship, affidavit of residence), a general affidavit can be used for virtually any purpose where a sworn statement is needed.
Common Uses
- Confirming the loss of an original document (vehicle title, birth certificate, diploma)
- Attesting to personal circumstances for a benefits application or legal proceeding
- Providing a sworn statement in support of an insurance claim
- Confirming facts in a business dispute
- Verifying employment history, residency, or character
- Supporting a small claims court filing
How to Write a General Affidavit
A well-drafted general affidavit includes:
- Header: Your full legal name, date of birth, and address
- Statement of facts: Numbered paragraphs, each stating one fact you personally know to be true. Use plain language. Do not include opinions or legal conclusions.
- Oath statement: "I swear (or affirm) that the above statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief."
- Signature line: Left blank until you are in front of the notary
- Notary block: The notary completes this section
Getting It Notarized Online
Online notarization for a general affidavit takes about 10 minutes. You will need a photo ID and your completed (unsigned) affidavit. The notary may ask you to take an oral oath before you sign — this is standard procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a general affidavit?
- A general affidavit is a sworn written statement of facts, signed in front of a notary. It can be used for almost any purpose — confirming facts, attesting to personal circumstances, supporting legal filings, or verifying information for a third party.
- When would I need a general affidavit?
- Common uses include: confirming facts in a legal dispute, attesting to a lost document (lost title, lost certificate), supporting an insurance claim, confirming personal circumstances for a benefits application, or providing a sworn statement for a background check.
- What makes an affidavit legally valid?
- A legally valid affidavit must be: (1) in writing, (2) a first-person statement of facts the affiant personally knows to be true, (3) signed by the affiant, and (4) notarized. Some courts additionally require the affiant to take an oral oath or affirmation before the notary.
- Is a notarized affidavit admissible in court?
- Notarized affidavits are admissible in many legal proceedings, particularly for pre-trial statements, uncontested facts, and small claims matters. Whether a specific affidavit is admissible in a specific proceeding depends on court rules. Consult an attorney for contested litigation.
- Can I write my own general affidavit?
- Yes. A general affidavit does not require a lawyer. Write a clear statement of the facts you are attesting to, written in first person, with your name and address at the top. Sign it in front of a notary (or online via RON). Avoid legal conclusions — stick to facts you personally know.
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