What is an E Affidavit? Meaning, Types and Steps to Draft in India

An Affidavit is a legally valid and notarised document that includes facts confirmed by the filer. This is under oath and is also signed in the presence of a notary public. It can be used as evidence in legal or official proceedings. However, the E Affidavit is slightly different. It enables the filer to remotely file the document, thereby negating the physical need to travel. It is more secure and cost-effective for obvious reasons. Both versions of the affidavit carry the same importance and are legally valid. 

E Affidavit - Quick Information

If you’re wondering what an e-affidavit is, we’ve got you covered. It is just the electronic/digital version of a normal affidavit. Be it an Affidavit for Name Change, NRI Property Rights, or any other matter, it is quite simple.

Why Use e-Affidavits?

An e-Affidavit online streamlines the entire procedure, making it very simple and quick. While traditional affidavits are equally viable, they require a significant amount of legwork and paperwork. 

• Convenience: With e-affidavits, you never need to travel to government offices and stand in long queues physically.
• Speed: The digital nature of this process eliminates the need for paperwork and manual labour, streamlining the entire procedure.
• Security: e-stamping and e-signatures make forgery and tampering almost impossible when compared to physical documents. It adds multiple layers of protection.
• Accessibility: People residing in remote areas can also easily access the portals and submit these documents.
• Efficiency: The e-affidavit data is stored digitally, making it easy to store, source, and share as needed.
• Environmentally Friendly: The digital nature of this process significantly reduces paper waste, making it a very environmentally friendly process.

While some cases may require the physical presentation of an affidavit, the digital version is far superior in many ways. It alleviates numerous issues faced by both individuals and institutions.

How to Create an e-Affidavit in India?

Drafting an e-affidavit online can be carried out using multiple portals. However, the majority of the steps remain the same. Just follow the ones mentioned below, and you will have your certificate in no time:

• Step 1: The platform/portal you select must be credible and authorised by the government of India. 
• Step 2: You must carefully select the type of affidavit required for the situation. An Affidavit for Name Change and an Affidavit for Marriage Certificate are some examples. 
• Step 3: Accurately mentioning all your details is crucial. Fields like full name, parents’ name, address, occupation, etc, should be error-free. Additionally, you must also list down your statements as clearly and accurately as possible. You can use the many templates provided on portals for assistance.
• Step 4: Ensure that you review the entire document after completing all the details. Ensure that all information is accurately written and that all supporting documents are attached where necessary. 
• Step 5: You will need to use the portal’s payment gateway to pay the required stamp duty, which will enable the document to be stamped, making it legally binding. You will then receive an automatic e-stamp certificate, and the price will vary depending on the location and purpose. 
• Step 6: You can use an Aadhaar-based e-signature or other accepted methods to e-sign the document.
• Step 7: If you need notarization, some platforms also partner with authorized digital notaries. You can also download the e-affidavit and physically visit a notary public and get it notarized that way.
• Step 8: Once you have completed the above steps, you can download the PDF of the e-affidavit. It is ready to be used and submitted wherever required. 

Extra Tips:

• Always use authorized portals to evade fraud.
• For court proceedings, first check if your state accepts e-affidavits. 

Is an e-Affidavit Legally Valid?

E-affidavits are entirely legal under the purview of Indian Law. However, they must meet the legal requirements to be considered valid. Aspects such as e-signatures, e-stamps, and notarization (where necessary) must be properly implemented[1]. The Information Technology Act, 2000, made electronic signatures valid. E-affidavits can be submitted using authorised platforms. 

State-Wise Availability of e-Affidavit Services

The legal recognition and availability of e-affidavit services in India vary from state to state. This depends on the implementation of e-stamping systems for stamp duty payment. Numerous union territories and states have digital platforms that enable the drafting, stamping, and signing of affidavits online[2]. Below is a comprehensive list of all Indian states and union territories, along with their standing on the affidavits.

Cost of Making an e-Affidavit

The cost of making an e-affidavit online in India varies from state to state. However, it always includes heads like service provider fee, notary charges (if needed), and stamp duty. Here is a table explaining the included costs.

This brings up the total cost of an e-affidavit to approximately ₹80-₹650. While the type of affidavit and location factor significantly in determining the cost, other factors, such as service charges and notary fees, are also important.  

Benefits of Using e-Affidavit Services

There are several benefits of using e-affidavit services. They are as follows:

• Speed
• Convenience
• Security
• Environmentally Friendly
• Cost-Effective
• Accessibility
• Efficiency

E-Affidavit vs Traditional Affidavit

How Can NoBroker Help with Affidavit Services?

At NoBroker, we focus on speed, affordability, and convenience when speaking of creating and notarizing e-affidavits. Whether it’s a rental agreement online or a name change process, we’ve got you covered. You can complete the entire process online and will never need to leave the comfort of your home or office for an affidavit certificate or notary services. So skip the long queues and get your legal documents in order today.