Common Types Of Affidavits: A Quick Guide (2026)

Sarah Edwards

Contributor

Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

Editor

April 30, 2026 Read in 3 mins

Summary

Affidavits are a way to provide information under oath outside of court
They can be used in both court cases and transactions
They must be notarized or signed in front of an official to be valid

An affidavit is a written testimony claiming a set of facts is true to the best of a person's knowledge. Affidavits are taken outside of court, but they're made under oath. That means willfully giving false information could lead to a perjury charge.

These documents are often used in court cases, but they're an instrumental part in many transactions, too. Choosing the right type is important to protect your rights and avoid delays in any process.

Types of Affidavits and Their Uses

Here are some common types of affidavits and how they're used:

Affidavit of Death: This is a statement confirming someone has died and is usually submitted with a death certificate attached. It's often used to speed up the transfer of a deceased person's property to beneficiaries. You can generate an affidavit of death quickly and easily.
Affidavit of Domicile: This is a statement saying where a deceased person was living at the time of their death. It's usually made by the executor or administrator of the estate. If you're managing an estate, you can create an affidavit of domicile online.
Affidavit of Heirship: This is an affidavit identifying people who stand to inherit a deceased person's assets. It's typically only used if someone dies without a will. If needed, you can create an affidavit of heirship right now.
Affidavit of Identity: This document formally establishes a person's identity. It's often used by banks and government agencies when a person doesn't have standard identification. You can create an affidavit of identity in minutes.
Affidavit of Paternity: This document allows unmarried parents to legally establish paternity of a baby. Once you create and submit an affidavit of paternity, the father's name can be added to the birth certificate.
Affidavit of Service: When legal papers must be served to someone by a process server, that person must submit an affidavit of service to confirm when and how they served the papers. If you need to generate an affidavit of service, you can do so in minutes.
Affidavit of Title: During the sale of a home, a seller can provide an affidavit of title. This document confirms that the seller owns the property and discloses any potential problems with the title. You can start generating your affidavit of title online easily.
Small Estate Affidavit: A small estate affidavit allows a deceased person's assets under a certain value to be transferred without going through probate. Make sure to generate a small estate affidavit that meets your state's requirements.

Generating an affidavit yourself can simplify the process. However, in order for them to be considered legally valid, all types of affidavits must be signed in front of a notary or other authorized official.

The Importance of the Right Affidavit

Whether you need to create an affidavit as part of a home sale, a court case or something else, it's essential to pause and make sure you've chosen the right type of affidavit for your situation. As long as you do this and stay honest on the affidavit itself, you can protect your rights and keep the process as simple as possible.