Quick answer
An affidavit for one and the same person is a declaration stating that different names recorded on two or more documents refer to the same individual. It can help explain spelling differences, initials, omitted name components, or variations in how a person’s name appears across records.
For example, a school certificate might record the name as “Rahul Kumar Sharma,” while a PAN card records it as “Rahul K. Sharma.” If both names genuinely refer to the same individual, the receiving organisation may ask for a declaration or additional supporting documents to clarify the discrepancy.
The correct procedure depends on the type of discrepancy and the authority handling the application. An affidavit does not automatically correct existing records or guarantee acceptance by every institution.
This guide provides a sample affidavit format, explains how to prepare it, lists documents that may be required, and clarifies when a name correction or formal name-change procedure may be more appropriate.
What Is an Affidavit for One and the Same Person?
An affidavit for one and the same person is a sworn or affirmed declaration that identifies different recorded names as belonging to one individual.
A typical declaration includes the deponent’s details, the names appearing on the relevant documents, a statement linking those names to the same person, a verification clause, and the required attestation.
For example:
| Document | Name recorded |
|---|---|
| School certificate | Rahul Kumar Sharma |
| PAN card | Rahul K. Sharma |
| Bank record | Rahul Sharma |
If these records genuinely refer to the same person, the declaration can explain the relationship between the three name versions. Whether the receiving authority accepts the affidavit depends on its own requirements.
The terms same-person affidavit, one-and-the-same-person affidavit, and name discrepancy affidavit are commonly used for this type of declaration. However, a document’s title does not determine whether it satisfies a particular authority’s requirements.
When Do You Need a One and the Same Person Affidavit?
You may need a one-and-the-same-person affidavit when an organisation identifies a discrepancy between the name on your application and the name recorded on your supporting documents.
Common situations include the following.
1. Different spellings of the same name
A person’s name may be spelled differently across documents because of transcription or transliteration.
For example, one document might record “Mohammad Arif Khan,” while another records “Mohd. Arif Khan.”
An affidavit may help explain that the names refer to the same individual, provided the receiving authority accepts this form of evidence.
2. Initials and full names
One document may use initials while another records the complete name.
For example:
- Bank record: R. Kumar
- School certificate: Rajesh Kumar
The declaration should identify both versions and the documents where they appear. Do not assume that an initial can always be expanded in the same way without supporting evidence.
3. Missing middle name or surname
A middle name or surname may appear in one record but be absent from another.
For example:
- Passport: Amit Kumar Verma
- Educational certificate: Amit Verma
The receiving authority may require an affidavit, a correction request, or additional documents. The appropriate procedure depends on the significance of the difference.
4. Different name order
A document may record the surname before the given name, while another uses a different order.
An affidavit can explain the difference where both entries genuinely identify the same individual. Check whether the receiving authority also requires correction of the underlying record.
5. Differences in educational certificates
A school marksheet, degree certificate, or examination-board record may contain a different version of your name from your current identity documents.
Before submitting an affidavit, ask the relevant school, university, or examination board whether it accepts a declaration or requires a formal correction application. See our guide to name correction in 10th and 12th marksheets.
6. Banking and employment records
A bank or employer may identify a discrepancy between the name in its records and the name appearing on your identity documents.
The organisation may request an affidavit, additional identity evidence, or correction of the existing record. Follow its prescribed process rather than assuming that a generic affidavit will resolve the issue.
7. Property and land records
A discrepancy between the name on a property document and the name on an identity document may require clarification during a transaction.
Property matters can involve additional legal and registration requirements. A same-person affidavit should not be treated as sufficient proof of ownership or as a substitute for correcting a deed or land record where correction is required.
Affidavit for One and the Same Person: Sample Format
The following is a general sample for reference, not a universally prescribed government form. Adapt it to the actual discrepancy and confirm the required format with the receiving authority.
AFFIDAVIT FOR ONE AND THE SAME PERSON
I, [Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Parent’s or Spouse’s Name], aged about [Age] years, residing at [Complete Residential Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:
- That I am the deponent making this affidavit and that the particulars stated herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
- That my name is recorded as [Name as Appearing in Document 1] in my [Name of Document 1].
- That my name is recorded as [Name as Appearing in Document 2] in my [Name of Document 2].
- That my name is also recorded as [Name as Appearing in Document 3] in my [Name of Document 3], if applicable.
- That the above-mentioned names refer to one and the same person, namely myself.
- That the difference in the recording of my name is [Briefly State the Actual Reason, If Known].
- That this affidavit is made for the purpose of [State the Specific Purpose and Name of the Receiving Authority, If Applicable].
VERIFICATION
I, [Full Name], the above-named deponent, hereby verify that the contents of paragraphs 1 to 7 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that nothing material has been concealed.
Verified at [Place] on this [Day] day of [Month, Year].
DEPONENT
Signature: ____________________
Name: ________________________
Attestation, where required
[Space for the signature, seal, date, and particulars of the authorised official]
How should you fill in the affidavit?
- Copy each name exactly as it appears on the relevant document.
- Identify each document next to its corresponding name.
- Include only personal details required by the receiving authority.
- State the reason for the discrepancy only if you can describe it accurately.
- Confirm whether a particular verification clause or attestation format is required.
Do not use this sample unchanged if the authority provides a prescribed form. If the discrepancy involves a substantial name change, property ownership, inheritance, or another legally sensitive matter, seek appropriate legal guidance before signing.
How to Prepare an Affidavit for One and the Same Person in India
The preparation process depends on the purpose of the affidavit and the applicable requirements. These steps provide a practical starting point.
Step 1: Compare the relevant documents
Collect the documents containing different versions of your name and reproduce each version exactly as printed.
For example, if your school certificate says “Rahul Sharma,” your PAN card says “Rahul K. Sharma,” and your bank record says “R. K. Sharma,” list all three records when the receiving authority requires all three to be explained.
Step 2: Confirm the receiving authority’s requirements
Ask the organisation requesting the affidavit whether it has a prescribed format or a specific procedure.
Check whether it requires:
- A particular declaration or verification clause.
- Supporting identity documents.
- Notarisation or an oath before an authorised official.
- A specified stamp paper or e-stamping procedure.
- A separate correction application.
This step helps prevent the preparation of a document that does not meet the actual requirement.
Step 3: Collect supporting documents
Depending on the case, relevant documents may include:
- A government-issued identity document.
- The first document containing the name variation.
- The second document containing the name variation.
- A birth certificate, where relevant.
- An educational certificate, where relevant.
- A marriage certificate, where relevant.
- A written request or objection from the receiving authority.
This is a general checklist, not a universal list of mandatory attachments. Follow the list provided by the organisation handling your application.
Step 4: Draft the declaration
Use the sample format as a starting point unless the authority provides its own form.
Identify the person making the declaration, list the different names, associate each name with the relevant document, and state the purpose of the affidavit.
Do not invent a reason for the discrepancy or include statements that cannot be truthfully verified.
Step 5: Check stamp duty and execution requirements
Confirm the applicable stamp duty and execution requirements for the relevant state or Union Territory and the purpose of the document.
Do not assume that one stamp paper value or procedure applies to every affidavit throughout India.
Step 6: Complete the required attestation
Follow the receiving authority’s prescribed procedure. Where an oath or affirmation before an authorised official is required, complete that process as instructed.
Section 8 of the Notaries Act, 1952 includes administering oaths and taking affidavits among a notary’s functions. However, this does not mean that every affidavit must always be notarised; the applicable requirement must be confirmed for the particular use.
Step 7: Attach the supporting documents
Attach the documents requested by the receiving authority and ensure that the copies correspond to the records described in the affidavit.
Retain a copy of the completed affidavit and its supporting documents.
Step 8: Submit the affidavit
Submit the document according to the organisation’s instructions.
The authority may accept the declaration, request additional evidence, require a different format, or direct you to correct the underlying record. If the affidavit is rejected, ask for the specific reason before preparing a replacement.
One and the Same Person Affidavit vs. Name Change Affidavit
A one-and-the-same-person affidavit explains differences between existing records. A name-change affidavit relates to a declaration or procedure concerning a change of name.
| Comparison | One and the Same Person Affidavit | Name Change Affidavit |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Explain existing name variations | Support a declaration or procedure concerning a name change |
| Typical situation | Initials, spelling differences, or omitted name components | Adopting a different name |
| Existing records | Links the different versions to one individual | May establish the transition from an old name to a new name |
| Record correction | Does not automatically correct existing records | Does not automatically update every record |
| Additional requirements | Depend on the receiving authority | May involve additional declarations or procedures, depending on the case |
Which document should you choose?
If your existing records contain different versions of your name, ask the receiving authority whether it accepts a same-person affidavit.
If you intend to adopt a different name, follow the applicable name-change procedure instead. See our name change affidavit format; for a single record with an error, see the name correction affidavit.
For passport applications, Passport Seva provides specific guidance for reissue and changes to personal particulars. The required documents depend on the nature of the change, so a generic affidavit should not be assumed to replace the prescribed process.
Is an Affidavit for One and the Same Person Accepted Throughout India?
An affidavit may help explain a name discrepancy, but acceptance depends on the purpose of the document and the requirements of the receiving authority.
There is no basis for assuming that every bank, university, government department, passport office, or property-registration authority must accept the same generic format.
For example, UIDAI’s official guidance specifies supporting-document requirements for Aadhaar updates. A general affidavit should not be assumed to replace those requirements.
Before preparing the document, confirm whether the authority requires an affidavit, a prescribed declaration, supporting identity records, or a formal correction process.
Documents Required for a One and the Same Person Affidavit
The required documents depend on the discrepancy and the organisation receiving the affidavit.
| Document | Why it may be relevant |
|---|---|
| Government-issued identity document | Helps establish the identity of the person making the declaration |
| First document containing the name variation | Shows the first recorded version |
| Second document containing the name variation | Shows the other recorded version |
| Birth certificate | May support identity details or the recorded name |
| Educational certificate | May establish the name recorded in academic records |
| Marriage certificate | May be relevant to a discrepancy associated with marriage |
| Written request from the receiving authority | Identifies the discrepancy and the required procedure |
Do not assume that every document listed here is compulsory. Submit the documents requested by the relevant authority.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Copying names incorrectly
A missing initial, omitted surname, or incorrect spelling can undermine the purpose of the affidavit. Copy each name directly from the relevant document.
Failing to identify the documents
Listing different names without identifying the documents on which they appear may leave the discrepancy unclear. Link each name to its source document.
Using the wrong affidavit
An affidavit explaining existing name variations is not automatically a substitute for a formal name-change procedure.
Assuming one stamp paper value applies everywhere
Confirm the applicable stamp duty and execution requirements for the relevant jurisdiction and document type.
Making unsupported declarations
Do not invent a reason for the discrepancy or state that official records have been corrected when they have not.
Expecting the affidavit to update official records
An affidavit does not automatically change the information held by UIDAI, the Income Tax Department, Passport Seva, an educational institution, or a bank. Follow the relevant correction procedure when an update is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official sources
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This article is general information, not legal advice. NameChangeDesk is a private service and is not affiliated with the Government of India or any state authority.