An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear is true. It is not a letter, a petition or a contract. It is just your statement, signed under oath in front of a notary, a court clerk or another officer who can take an oath.
The basic format
Almost every affidavit has the same parts, in the same order:
- Title: “Affidavit of [what it is about].” For a court case, add the court and case name at the top.
- Venue: the state and county where you sign. For example, “State of New York, County of Queens.”
- Introduction: “I, [full name], being duly sworn, state the following:” followed by your address.
- Numbered statements: one fact per paragraph, written in the first person, in plain language. Stick to what you personally know.
- Closing statement: that the statements are true and you understand false statements can have legal consequences.
- Signature line for you, left blank until the notary is watching.
- Notary section (the jurat), filled in by the notary: “Sworn to before me on [date].”
What an affidavit looks like
It is usually one to three pages, typed, with numbered paragraphs. The signature and notary stamp are at the bottom. Nothing fancy, but the notary section has to be complete or the receiving office can reject it.
How to write an affidavit letter
People searching for “affidavit letter” usually want a statement that reads like a letter but carries the weight of an oath. Write it as numbered facts, not paragraphs of opinion. Keep it to your own knowledge, include dates and names, and leave out anything you are guessing about. A notary cannot tell you what to put in it or whether it is legally enough for your purpose.
Fill in a template or bring your own, and we notarize it online in minutes from anywhere. First document $25. Fill out and notarize an affidavit →
Where to get an affidavit form
- The office asking for it. Courts, DMVs, banks, schools and landlords often have their own form. Use theirs if they have one.
- A court’s self-help section. The New York courts website has free forms for many common situations.
- A fill-in template for common affidavits like residence, one-and-the-same-person, or no Social Security number.
How to file an affidavit
You do not file an affidavit by itself. You submit it to whoever asked for it, such as a court, agency, bank or employer. In a court case it is filed with the clerk along with the motion or petition it supports.
How much does an affidavit cost?
The affidavit itself is free to write. The notary charges to witness the signature. Online with us, the first document is $25, with additional documents cheaper in the same session. In-person and mobile prices are on our pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write an affidavit?
Title it, state the county and state where you sign, introduce yourself “being duly sworn,” list your facts in numbered paragraphs, and sign in front of a notary.
Where can I get an affidavit form?
From the office asking for it, a court self-help website, or a fill-in template. Use the requesting office form whenever one exists.
How do you file an affidavit?
You submit it to whoever requested it. In a court case, it is filed with the clerk alongside the motion or petition it supports.
How much does it cost to get an affidavit notarized?
At NotarEaseNYC, online notarization is $25 for the first document. The affidavit itself costs nothing to write.
Can anyone write an affidavit?
Yes, any adult can write a statement of their own knowledge. A notary can witness the oath but cannot tell you what to write.
Related reading
- Acknowledgment vs jurat
- Affidavit or affirmation? What changed in New York
- Getting a sworn statement right
- What is an affidavit of residence?
- What does notarized mean?
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws, court fees and forms change, so confirm with the court or agency involved. NotarEaseNYC is a notary service, not a law firm, and a notary cannot advise you on what to write or which legal route to take.