What is an affidavit?

An affidavit is a written declaration made under oath — you yourself state that something is true, recorded in legally binding form. It is normally executed before a notary public or the relevant authority.

The biggest misconception is that an affidavit changes something by itself. It does not — it only puts your statement into formal shape. Changing a detail in an official record needs a separate application to the authority that keeps it, and the affidavit goes in as a supporting document, not as the decision.

The oath is not a formality to shrug at. Knowingly stating something false in an affidavit is an offence, and the liability rests with the person declaring. So read and understand what is written before signing — signing because someone else drafted it is risky.

Which matters require an affidavit, and in what language it should be drawn up, is set by the institution or authority concerned. Find out what is required first — otherwise you can end up with an affidavit about the wrong thing, which is of no use.