Affidavit vs. Oath vs. Declaration: What’s the Difference?
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Affidavit vs. Oath vs. Declaration: What’s the Difference? By Resolutions Notary & Signing Service, LLC When handling legal documents, the terms affidavit , oath , and declaration are often used interchangeably. However, each serves a distinct legal purpose and carries different notarization requirements. Understanding these differences helps ensure your documents are valid, compliant, and accepted by courts, government agencies, and financial institutions. What Is an Affidavit? An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person swears or affirms to be true in the presence of a notary public. Because it is made under oath, it carries legal weight and can be used as evidence in court. Key Features of an Affidavit: Must be signed in front of a notary Requires an oath or affirmation Includes a notarial certificate (jurat) Used in court cases, immigration, financial matters, and identity verification If false information is included, the signer may face perjury penalties , wh...