Affidavit vs. Declaration: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between affidavit and declaration is that an affidavit requires the presence of an authorized person who can administer oaths whereas a declaration does not require an authorized person.
Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Affidavit and Declaration:
- Affidavit: An affidavit is a legal document that is made under oath and signed in the presence of an authorized official, such as a notary public.
- Declaration: A declaration is a statement of facts that is made in writing, but is not normally made under oath or in the presence of an authorized official.
Now, let’s get to Affidavit vs Declaration:
Major differences between Affidavit and Declaration
| Affidavit | Declaration |
|---|---|
| Affidavits are typically used in legal proceedings, such as in court. | Declarations are more often used in administrative contexts, such as applications for permits or government benefits. |
| Affidavits can be used as evidence in criminal and civil trials. | Declarations are usually used to support applications or petitions. |
| Affidavits must be witnessed by an authorized official. | Declarations do not require a witness. |
| Affidavits are made under oath. | Declarations are not made under oath. |
| An affidavit is a formal document with a specific format. | Declarations can be written in any format. |
So, these are the main differences between the entities.
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