Affidavit vs Notary
There are various situations in life when legal documents are needed to support claims. Often, an affidavit is required when attempting to obtain legal certificates such as a driver’s license, telephone connection, or when buying or selling property. This document contains facts or information believed to be true and accurate by the person and gains legal force when signed by a public notary. However, many people struggle to differentiate between a notary and an affidavit. This article will explain these differences for the benefit of the readers.
Affidavit
In situations like moving to a new place and needing a gas connection without having an address proof to submit to the gas company, a legal document is required to certify the claims made by you. This is where an affidavit comes in handy. It is a document containing facts and information you believe to be true and becomes legal when you sign it in the presence of a legal authority called a notary or an oaths commissioner.
Notary
A notary is an individual with legal qualifications and is authorized to perform in legal matters, particularly those that are not contentious and only require certification of the claims made by ordinary people. They act as a witness and provide their stamp of approval. A notary is in the legal profession, similar to attorneys, although they possess somewhat fewer credentials and powers than a fully-fledged lawyer. Different countries use different terms for the role of a verifying officer. In many countries, they are known as a notary public, while in other places, they are also referred to as a Signing Agent.
Key Takeaways
- An affidavit is a document containing facts and information believed to be true and becomes legal when signed in the presence of a legal authority such as a notary or an oaths commissioner.
- A notary is an individual with legal qualifications, authorized to perform in legal matters and certify claims made by ordinary people, acting as a witness and providing their stamp of approval.
- The services of a notary are needed when requiring an affidavit, and the notary verifies the claims made by people in the form of a legal document called an affidavit.
