Why Your Affidavit Was Rejected (Common Mistakes)
Having an affidavit rejected can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you believe everything was filled out correctly. In reality, affidavits are often rejected due to technical errors, not because the statement itself is untrue.
This guide explains the most common reasons affidavits are rejected, why it happens, and how to fix the problem correctly.
What Does It Mean When an Affidavit Is Rejected?
An affidavit is considered rejected when it is not accepted by a court, government office, embassy, school, employer, or private institution due to formatting, legal, or procedural issues.
Most rejections are preventable and can be corrected without rewriting the entire affidavit.
Most Common Reasons Affidavits Are Rejected
1. Missing or Incorrect Notarization
One of the most common reasons for rejection is lack of proper notarization.
- No notary seal or stamp
- No notary signature
- Expired notary commission
- Wrong notarial wording
How to fix: Have the affidavit notarized again by a valid notary public.
2. Wrong Affiant or Unauthorized Signatory
An affidavit must be signed by the correct person (affiant).
- Signed by a relative instead of the required person
- Signed by a representative without authority
- Affiant lacks personal knowledge of the facts
How to fix: Ensure the person signing is legally qualified and has direct knowledge.
3. Inconsistent or Incorrect Information
Even small inconsistencies can cause rejection:
- Name spelling does not match IDs
- Wrong dates or timelines
- Conflicting statements within the affidavit
How to fix: Cross-check all details against official documents.
4. Missing Required Details
Affidavits must contain essential information:
- Full legal names
- Complete addresses
- Clear statement of facts
- Purpose of the affidavit
How to fix: Add missing details clearly and concisely.
5. Improper Format or Structure
Some institutions reject affidavits that do not follow standard formatting.
- No title (e.g., “Affidavit of Support”)
- No sworn statement language
- No jurat (“Subscribed and sworn before me…”)
How to fix: Use a proper affidavit template with complete structure.
6. Affidavit Used for the Wrong Purpose
An affidavit written for one purpose may be rejected if reused incorrectly.
- Using a general affidavit for immigration
- Using a local affidavit for international use
- Using an outdated affidavit format
How to fix: Prepare a purpose-specific affidavit.
7. Alterations After Notarization
Any changes made after notarization can invalidate the affidavit.
- Corrections written by hand
- Added pages or statements
- Edited names or dates
How to fix: Prepare a new affidavit and notarize again.
Can a Rejected Affidavit Be Corrected?
Yes. In most cases, a rejected affidavit can be corrected by:
- Rewriting and re-notarizing the document
- Submitting a corrected affidavit
- Providing a supplemental affidavit
Always follow the specific instructions given by the requesting institution.
How to Avoid Affidavit Rejection
- Use a proper affidavit template
- Double-check names, dates, and facts
- Ensure correct notarization
- Match the affidavit purpose exactly
- Do not edit after notarization
Quick Summary
- Most affidavit rejections are technical, not factual
- Notarization errors are the top cause
- Wrong signatory or missing details can invalidate affidavits
- Rejection can usually be fixed by resubmission
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.