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FREE TEMPLATE / PERSONAL, FAMILY AND LEGAL

General Affidavit (United States)

A general sworn statement of facts for use in the United States. The affiant sets out the facts in numbered paragraphs and signs in front of a notary public or other officer, who gives the oath and completes the jurat.

For the United States.

Download the free PDF

This page lists how to sign it in the United States. See how it is signed

First page of the General Affidavit (United States) template
PDF, 2 pages, 11 KB
BEFORE YOU START

What you will be asked

Have these details ready. The template needs them before anyone signs.

  • What is your full legal name?
  • What is your home address?
  • In which state will you sign this in front of the notary?
  • In which county will you sign it?
  • What facts do you want to swear to? Give them one at a time and each becomes a numbered paragraph.
THE PEOPLE

Who signs

Everyone the template names, and what each one does.

  • AffiantSigns
  • Notary public or other officerNotary
SIGNING RULES

How it is signed in the United States

The rules for an affidavit or sworn statement depend on where it is signed. Laws change, so check the sources before anyone signs.

United States

Print and sign in ink

Print it and sign it in ink. A notary or other authorized officer must take the signature.

Steps

  1. Print the affidavit and do not sign it yet.
  2. Take photo ID to a notary, or use an online notary where allowed.
  3. Swear or affirm and sign it in front of the notary.
  4. The notary completes the jurat and seal.

What the law asks for

E-signature
Only in some casesAn affidavit is sworn before a notary. It can be signed electronically only with an online notary where state law allows.
Witnesses
None
Notary
RequiredThe notary gives the oath and completes the jurat. For federal matters an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. 1746) can replace it.
Remote signing
Online notary allowedOnline notarization is in force in 42 states and DC (mid 2026).
Registration
Not needed
Stamp duty
Not needed

Sources

Checked October 25, 2026 against these sources.

QUESTIONS

Common questions

Answers from the signing rules on this page.

Can the general affidavit be signed electronically in the United States?

Only in some cases in the United States. An affidavit is sworn before a notary. It can be signed electronically only with an online notary where state law allows.

How many witnesses does the general affidavit need in the United States?

None. No witness is needed in the United States.

Does the general affidavit need a notary in the United States?

Yes. A notary or other authorized officer must take the signature. The notary gives the oath and completes the jurat. For federal matters an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. 1746) can replace it.

Does the general affidavit need to be registered in the United States?

No. It is not registered.

Is stamp duty due on the general affidavit in the United States?

No stamp duty is due.

Can the general affidavit be signed or witnessed remotely in the United States?

Yes. Online notarization is allowed. Online notarization is in force in 42 states and DC (mid 2026).

THE RIGHT TEMPLATE

Where it fits

For a general affidavit sworn in any US state. Not for a court filing that needs a case caption, and not where a state or agency requires its own form, such as a small estate or heirship affidavit.

A CAREFUL CHECK

Before you rely on it

Original Centilio wording, not legal advice. A general affidavit for any US state, sworn or affirmed before a notary public or other officer the state allows to give oaths, who completes the jurat. Some states want their own jurat wording, such as California under Government Code section 8202, and the notary can attach it. It is not a court pleading and does not cover affidavits whose wording a statute sets, such as small estate, heirship or title affidavits. Under 28 U.S.C. 1746 an unsworn declaration, signed and dated under penalty of perjury, may replace a notarized affidavit in federal matters, except for depositions, oaths of office and oaths that must be taken before a named official other than a notary. Many states have similar rules, such as California Code of Civil Procedure section 2015.5 and Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 132.001. See a lawyer when the affidavit is for a court case, a property title or an estate.