What Is an Affidavit?

And how to get it notarized.

What Is an Affidavit? (Simple Explanation)

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person swears or affirms to be true. It’s used when an organization, school, government office, professional body or other third party needs a formal declaration from you.

We commission affidavits very often—people usually bring them in for things like:

• OSAP applications

• Common-law status affidavits

• Letters of experience

• Sponsorship letters

  
  

How an Affidavit Works

An affidavit has two main parts:

1. Your written statement — what you are declaring to be true.

2. The commissioning section — where a notary public confirms that:

   • you swore or affirmed the truth of the statement,

   • the date and location this took place,

   • and you signed in front of them.

Typically a notary public has a stamp for this information. We do not draft affidavits.

What to Expect When Getting One Commissioned

The process is simple:

1. Bring your completed affidavit and valid government ID.

2. Sign in the presence of a notary public.

3. The notary will witness, administer the oath or affirmation, and apply their seal and signature.

That’s it — usually a quick and straightforward process.