Who Needs to Sign an Affidavit?

The primary person who needs to sign an affidavit is the "deponent" , the individual who is making the statement. The deponent must sign the affidavit in the presence of an authorised official, such as a Notary Public, Oath Commissioner, or Magistrate, who will then authenticate it by also signing and stamping the document.

The deponent’s signature signifies that they are making the statement under oath and are aware that providing false information may lead to legal penalties, including perjury. The deponent must also provide supporting identification documents such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport to prove their identity.

In certain cases, especially where the affidavit relates to legal or government matters (such as name change, property declarations, or immigration), witnesses may also be required to sign the affidavit. These witnesses are usually impartial third parties who affirm that the deponent signed the document willingly.

The official who attests the affidavit must ensure the content is voluntarily affirmed and that the person understands the legal significance of their declaration.

The Notary Public or Magistrate signs the affidavit after verifying identity documents and witnessing the deponent’s signature, and applies a seal or notarial stamp, which makes the affidavit legally recognised.

Get Your Notarised Affidavit with Ease Via NoBroker Legal Experts Now! 

Hello Sambhavani. To answer who needs to sign an affidavit, it is usually the affiant or the deponent, along with the authorised official who must sign the affidavit. A deponent is a person who makes a sworn statement in an affidavit, ensuring that the information provided is true to the best of their knowledge. By signing the affidavit, the deponent assumes legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided. 

What are the Steps to Sign an Affidavit?

1. First, review the affidavit thoroughly to ensure all the information is correct. The affidavit needs to be error-free as the signature attests to the rightfulness of the statements within.

2. Then, find an authorised official, like a notary public or commissioner for oaths, who will be a witness to the signature. 

3. The authorised official will then administer an oath or affirmation, where the deponent will pledge that the statements made are true. 

4. The deponent must then sign the affidavit in the designated area. If the document consists of several pages, the deponent may be required to sign or initial every page to prevent alterations.

5. The authorised official will then sign the affidavit and finish the jurat section, which comprises their credentials and seal. This marks as a verification of the affidavit being signed in their presence under oath.

I hope you now know who signs affidavit in India. 

Get End-to-End Assistance with Affidavit Via NoBroker's Experienced Lawyers!

A written declaration or statement made under oath or affirmation that attests to the veracity of the information contained within is called an affidavit. It is a legally binding document that is used to formally provide evidence or information in a variety of legal processes. But you must know who needs to sign an affidavit? Usually, the affiant or deponent signs an affidavit.

Can Anyone Sign an Affidavit?

Here are some common scenarios where affidavits are required and who might need to sign them:

• Individual Affidavits signature required in the following cases.

  • Applicants for Legal Documents, 

  • Name Change

  • Age Proof

  • Gift Deeds

• Witness Affidavits signature required in the below case.

  • Witnesses to an event (e.g., a marriage, accident, or contract signing)

  • Witnesses to the execution of a will, deed, or other legal documents

• Business owners or directors or partners' signatures may be required to confirm details about the company or a transaction.

• Government officials may need to sign affidavits to confirm specific information or actions.

Who can Administer an Affidavit in India?

The affidavit must be signed in the presence of an authorised officer, such as

• Notary Public

• Oath Commissioner

• Judicial Magistrate

• Executive Magistrate

• Gazetted Officer

I hope you found this helpful.

Read more