What is an affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear or affirm to be true. Because it is made under oath, an affidavit carries legal weight and is often used in court cases, insurance claims, name changes, identity confirmations, and many everyday situations where someone needs a sworn account in writing.
Sworn statements go by many names, including affidavit of support, affidavit of residence, affidavit of identity, and statement in lieu of a lost document. What they share is a person swearing that the contents are true and signing in front of a notary who administers the oath.
Can it be notarized online?
Yes, in most cases. New Jersey allows an affidavit to be sworn and notarized over live video. You take the oath or affirmation on camera, sign, and the notary completes a jurat, the certificate that records that you swore to the statement and signed in the notary's presence.
Acceptance depends on the party that will receive the affidavit. A court, agency, or company may have its own rules about format or how it must be notarized. Confirm those requirements before your session.
What you'll need
- Your unsigned affidavit as a PDF. Do not sign it in advance.
- A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
- A device with a working camera and microphone.
- A stable internet connection and a quiet, well-lit space.
- Any witnesses the receiving party requires, ready to appear if needed.
How BKS Notary helps
You meet a commissioned New Jersey notary in a live video session. The notary confirms your identity, administers the oath or affirmation, watches you sign, and completes the jurat on the record.
You receive a tamper-evident, sealed PDF that the receiving party can verify as authentic and unaltered. The audio-video recording and notarial record are retained in line with New Jersey's requirements.
What the notary does not do
The notary administers the oath, verifies your identity, witnesses your signature, and completes the certificate. The notary does not give legal advice, does not write your affidavit for you, and does not verify whether the facts in your statement are actually true.
The notary also cannot guarantee that a court or agency will accept the finished affidavit. Confirm the receiving party's requirements before your session.
Common issues
- Already signed. The oath is taken before you sign, on camera. Bring a clean, unsigned copy.
- Blank statement. Fill in the body of your affidavit before the session so you can swear to a complete statement.
- Expired ID. Your photo ID must be current and unexpired.
- Name mismatch. The name on your ID should match the name on the affidavit. Contact us first if it does not.
Frequently asked questions
Can an affidavit be notarized online?
Yes, in most cases. New Jersey allows an affidavit to be sworn and notarized over live video. You take the oath or affirmation on camera and sign in front of the notary. The court or agency receiving the affidavit may have its own requirements, so confirm with them first.
What is the difference between an affidavit and a jurat?
An affidavit is the written statement itself. A jurat is the notarial certificate stating that you swore to the truth of the statement and signed it in front of the notary. Affidavits are notarized with a jurat rather than an acknowledgment.
Do I have to swear an oath?
Yes. An affidavit is made under oath or affirmation. The notary will ask you to swear or affirm that the statement is true before you sign. This happens live on camera and is part of the recorded session.
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Meet a commissioned New Jersey notary online and get your affidavit sealed today.
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