A Pro Tip to Creating a New York Affidavit

An Affidavit is a sworn statement made in writing and signed by a person who has first-hand knowledge of the matter. The person making the affidavit is known as the Affiant.

A licensed Notary Public must notarize an Affidavit to be considered legal. After notarization, the affidavit becomes a public record.

Affidavits are often used when the Affiant does not have personal knowledge of the matter. Still, they can provide evidence through other means, such as research or first-hand accounts from other people.

When Do You Need an Affidavit in New York?

Affidavits are often used in legal situations where first-hand testimony is not possible or desirable. Check these types of affidavits in New York and when you may need them.

Affidavit of Name Change

In New York State, an Affidavit of name change can be used to change your name on your birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, and other government-issued ID documents. For example, suppose that you were born with the name John Doe, but you now go by the name Jane Doe. To change your name on your birth certificate, you must file an Affidavit of Name Change with the New York of Health.

To get an Affidavit of Name Change form, you can either contact the New York State Department of Health or download the form from their website. A licensed Notary Public must notarize the Affidavit of Name Change. Once the Affidavit is filed, the Department of Health will issue a new birth certificate with your updated name.

Civic Affidavits

You can use Civic Affidavits for various legal situations, such as voting, jury duty, and naturalization.

For example, if you are a first-time voter in New York State, you may be required to submit a Civic Affidavit to register to vote. A licensed Notary Public must notarize the Affidavit. Once the Affidavit is filed, you will be registered to vote in New York State.

Similarly, if you are called for jury duty in New York State, you may be required to submit a Civic Affidavit to serve on a jury. Once the Affidavit is filed, you will be registered to serve on a jury in New York State.

Also, if you are applying for naturalization, you may be required to submit a Civic Affidavit to become a U.S. citizen. A licensed Notary Public must notarize the Affidavit. Once the Affidavit is filed, you will be registered as a U.S. citizen.

How to Write an Affidavit in New York

Now that you know what an Affidavit is and when you need one, it's time to learn how to write one. Follow these steps to write an Affidavit:

Gather the Facts

Before you start writing your Affidavit, it's essential to gather all of the facts and evidence that you will need to include in your Affidavit. This information may consist of research, eyewitness accounts, or other forms of evidence.

Choose a Format

There are many different ways to format an Affidavit. However, the most important thing is ensuring that your Affidavit is easy to read and understand.

Write the Affidavit

Once you have gathered all the facts and chosen a format, you are ready to start writing your Affidavit. Again, be sure to include all of the relevant information, and be as clear and concise as possible.

Have the Affidavit Notarized

A licensed Notary Public must notarize the affidavit. This step will make your Affidavit a legal document.

File the Affidavit

Once your Affidavit is notarized, you must file it with the appropriate government agency or court. This will vary depending on the type of Affidavit you are writing.

For any reason, you may need an Affidavit in New York, the free printable affidavit template at forms.legal aims to help you make an affidavit without prior experience.