A Simple Guide to Affidavits and Notarization in Virginia

You may hear the word “affidavit” from a lawyer, court, or agency and feel unsure what it really means—or what a notary has to do with it. The good news is that the idea is simple: an affidavit is just a written statement that you swear or affirm is true.

Because affidavits are often used in legal and official matters, they usually must be signed in front of a notary public. The notary’s job is to verify your identity, witness your signature, and administer an oath or affirmation so the document can be trusted.

This guide explains, in plain language, what an affidavit is, when you might need one in Virginia, and how notarization fits into the process.