People often ask for "an affidavit" when what the school, bank or employer actually asked for was a declaration — a plain signed statement, not a sworn one. Knowing the difference can save you a notary fee you did not need to pay.
Declaration vs affidavit — the real difference
A declaration is a written statement of fact that you sign, typically without needing to be sworn before a notary or on stamp paper — used for things like a self-declaration of income, a bonafide certificate request, or a simple undertaking to an employer. An affidavit is a sworn statement made before a notary, on stamp paper where required, carrying more legal weight because you have sworn to its truth under oath.
If in doubt, ask whoever wants the document one question: "does this need to be notarised, or just signed?" That answer alone tells you which one you need.
Common declarations we draft
- Self-declaration of income or employment for a loan or scholarship
- Declaration of single-name usage (where documents show your name spelt slightly differently)
- Bonafide relationship or dependent declarations for insurance or school admission
- Undertaking letters requested by an employer, landlord or institution
If it turns out you need an affidavit instead
No trouble — we handle full affidavit drafting at the same counter, so if what you actually need is a sworn statement rather than a simple declaration, we draft, stamp and notarise it in the same visit.
Nearest areas we cover
These are the areas closest to our counter. We serve all of south Bengaluru — see every area we cover.