Prepare and notarise an affidavit for self-declarations on income, birth, relationships, or intent to government.
Jurisdiction
All of India — Notary Public appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952
Who applies
Any individual, company, or organisation requiring a sworn written declaration (affidavit) to be authenticated by a Notary Public for use before government departments, courts, banks, or other authorities
Typical time
Same day (1–4 hours) if content is ready; 1–2 days if the Notary must also verify facts
Fee
Notary stamp duty (non-judicial stamp paper): ₹20–₹500 depending on state and type of affidavit; Notary's professional fee: ₹50–₹500; total typically ₹100–₹1,000
| # | Document | Type needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Draft Affidavit on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper | Original | The typed or handwritten text of the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper of the appropriate denomination purchased from a licensed stamp vendor or e-stamp kiosk |
| 2 | Identity Proof of Deponent | Self-attested Copy | Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or PAN card to establish the deponent's identity before the Notary |
| 3 | Address Proof of Deponent(optional)Required when the affidavit is specifically about residence or address | Self-attested Copy | Used when the affidavit relates to address change, residence declaration, or similar address-based purposes |
| 4 | Supporting documents specific to the affidavit purpose(optional)Required only when the Notary or receiving authority mandates annexures with the affidavit | Self-attested Copy | E.g., name change gazette notification, birth certificate, marriage certificate, property documents — depends on what the affidavit declares |
| 5 | Passport-size photograph(optional)Required in certain states or for certain authorities (passport, visa, school admission) | Original | Affixed to the affidavit as part of the notarial certificate in some states or for specific purposes (e.g., age declaration affidavit) |
Original documents: Carry originals only for in-person visits — do not hand them over permanently unless explicitly required.
Identify exactly what declaration needs to be made and why. Common types include: name change affidavit, address proof affidavit, age declaration, income affidavit, marital status declaration, lost document affidavit, and relationship affidavit. Confirm with the receiving authority (government department, court, bank) whether they have a prescribed format or will accept a general affidavit.
Buy non-judicial stamp paper of the denomination prescribed by your state from a licensed stamp vendor near the district court or through the state's e-GRAS or stock holding corporation portal. The denomination varies by state (typically ₹20–₹500). Some courts or Notaries provide stamp paper and include the cost in their fee.
Type or write the affidavit in the prescribed or standard format. It must include: (a) deponent's full name, age, address, and occupation; (b) the statement 'I, [name], do hereby solemnly affirm and state on oath as under:'; (c) numbered statements of fact; (d) a verification clause ('The contents of the above affidavit are true to my knowledge and belief'); (e) signature or thumb impression of the deponent. Use Karvado's format templates for common affidavit types if available.
Visit a Notary Public practising in the district where the affidavit is to be used. Carry the original stamp paper with the drafted affidavit, original identity proof, and any required supporting documents. The Notary will verify your identity, read or have you read the affidavit, and administer the oath or affirmation.
Sign or affix thumb impression on the affidavit in the Notary's presence. The Notary then writes the jurat — the notarial certification — stating the date, place, and that the affidavit was sworn before them. The Notary affixes their official seal and signature, and records the transaction in their Notarial Register. The original notarised affidavit is returned to you.
Ministry of Law and Justice (appointed under Notaries Act, 1952)
Steps 4–5 — identity verification, oath administration, jurat affixing
Legally appointed officer who authenticates affidavits, attests documents, and administers oaths; Notaries are licensed by the Central or State Government
Purchasing e-stamps and non-judicial stamp paper online in states where SHCIL is the Authorized Collection Centre
Information about Notary Public appointments; directory of central government notaries
Using the wrong denomination of stamp paper can render the affidavit invalid for certain purposes. Confirm the required denomination with the receiving authority before purchase. Some high-value declarations (e.g., above ₹50,000 value) may require higher denomination.
Indian law does not recognise remote or video-based notarisation. The deponent must be physically present before the Notary. Attempting to get an affidavit notarised without appearing in person is legally invalid and may constitute fraud.
An affidavit is inadmissible as proof of title, sale, gift, or mortgage of immovable property. For property transactions, a registered sale deed or gift deed with Sub-Registrar is required.
If the notarised affidavit is to be used in a foreign country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention (e.g., USA, UK, Australia), it must also be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs. Contact MEA or authorised agencies for apostille after notarisation.
Swearing a false affidavit constitutes perjury under Section 191 of the IPC (now Section 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023), punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years. Ensure every statement in the affidavit is true.