Oaths and affirmations
Oaths and affirmations are important for many different situations, and may be used alongside other documents. Here at Kent Notary Public, we can verify and witness the signing of them.
Oaths and affirmations are important for many different situations, and may be used alongside other documents. Here at Kent Notary Public, we can verify and witness the signing of them.
What are oaths and affirmations?
Oaths and affirmations are essentially the same thing and can be used for similar situations. The key difference is that an oath is a religious pledge generally made by someone who believes in God, and who has no issues with swearing to God. Both need you to have witnesses present when you sign your affirmation. A Notary Public can act as a witness.
Meanwhile, affirmations are secular pledges made by people who do not believe in God or a religion, or people who object to swearing to God.
They both have the same legal weight and purpose, so it does not matter which one you choose to make. It is all down to personal preference.
Swearing an oath or affirmation may be needed for the following:
- Affidavits
- British citizenship ceremonies
- Change of name deed poll
- Court documents such as a witness statement or divorce papers
- Pawn broker receipt
- Police notice or penalty charge
- Powers of Attorney
- Statutory declarations
Furthermore, there may be other situations where you are also asked to provide an oath or affirmation that we have not mentioned. You will be told if you need to make one.
Why should I use a Notary Public as a witness?
You may be wondering why you should use a Notary Public as a witness for you signing and swearing an oath or affirmation. Many people can act as a witness in the event there are any issues, as they can confirm you signed the document on a certain day in their presence.
However, an oath is sometimes used alongside other documents that may also need certification or even notarisation. The latter is particularly important if you plan on using your documents abroad, such as an affidavit or power of attorney. Only a notary can notarise your documents for use abroad.
Therefore, it is more convenient to use a notary such as ourselves to act as a witness to you signing your oath or affirmation in this situation, as they can also notarise your other documents in the same appointment.
We can carry out all of these steps for you.
Documents for swearing an oath or affirmation
There are some documents that you will need to provide us with so as to prove your identity when you make your oath or affirmation. This is so that we know you are who you say you are and can act as a witness to your oath or affirmation.
The documents you will need are:
- ID such as your original passport or driving licence
- Proof of address such as a recent bank statement.
Contact us for our expert advice
Kent Notary Public provides convenient solutions for all your notarial needs. Also, we offer additional services such as apostille, legalisation, translation and document drafting if required.
Finally, we offer mobile notarial services at a location of your choice throughout Kent and the surrounding areas.
Get in touch today to see what we can do for you.