Affidavit is basically a written statement that is taken on oath and may be used as evidence in a court of law. If you lie on an affidavit, it constitutes an offense under the Indian Penal code. So, if we combine the meaning of the above words, we get the idea of address proof affidavit. It is a document which helps in legally proving a person’s address.
Features and characteristics of Address proof affidavit
- Written in the first person,
- True and honest statements,
- Only facts and no inferences,
- All the characteristics of an ordinary affidavit are applicable, and
- Used for proving the legal address of a person.
Advantages of Address proof affidavit
It is generally used when the other forms of proof are not available. For example, when you apply for Passport, driving license, Aadhaar card, internet connection, Pan-card etc, the authority asks for address proof. People generally provide electricity bill, water bill, property tax returns passport, driving license, Aadhaar card, copy of rent agreement etc.
Just imagine a condition where a person does not have any of the above documents but still requires to submit something for his address proof. In such a case, what will he do? Here comes the importance of Address proof affidavit. He can submit his address proof affidavit to satisfy the demand of an address proof. But it should be noted that in some states the use of address proof affidavit has been banned, like in Maharashtra. So, it can be concluded that address proof affidavit can be used for: -
- PAN card,
- Passport,
- Driving license, or
- Bail.
Minimum requirements of Address proof affidavit.
No documents are required. Only a stamp paper worth 20 to 100rs. In some states, affidavit can also be drafted on regular plain paper.
- Cost and government fees.
As mentioned above, you only need a stamp paper costing 20 to 100rs. You may have to pay the notary his commission. If you take the services of a lawyer, his payment would be included. One can also use the help of online websites. There are many websites available that can make you an address proof affidavit with lowest cost.
- Process and steps involved.
Let us bifurcate the process into two parts. One offline and one online.
Online: -
- Surf the internet and find proper websites for drafting the address proof affidavit,
- Submit your details like name, address, photograph etc, and
- Make online payment.
Offline: -
- Visit any notary. Usually available near Tehsil offices and district courts,
- Get it drafted. Tell him all the facts, and
- Pay the fees.
Time required
The online procedure is very simple. The document would be drafted swiftly and the soft copy would be made available to you instantaneously but it may take time to deliver hard copy to one’s house. It depends on the efficiency of the delivery system and also on the website that you would be using.
For offline procedure, it may take a few hours. Again, this depends on the efficiency of the person who is drafting it.