Affidavit For Different Names Of Same Person For Passport Template for England and Wales

This is a sworn statement confirming that two or more names used in different documents all refer to the same individual. His Majesty's Passport Office may request this where an applicant's identity documents show different names, for example a birth certificate in one name, a marriage certificate in another, and bank records in a third. The affidavit explains the connection between all the names and confirms they belong to one person.

HMPO may ask for this document when a passport application contains identity documents that show different names that cannot be easily linked by a single name change document. Common situations include multiple name changes over time (such as marriage and later deed poll), transliteration differences between documents in different scripts, or cases where a person has used a middle name as their primary name for much of their life.

Under the Oaths Act 1978, the affidavit must be sworn before a solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths, or court officer. The person making the affidavit takes the oath in the presence of the authorised person, who then completes the jurat confirming the date, location, and their authority. Solicitors' firms typically provide this service for a modest fee and most town centre firms can accommodate same-day appointments.

The affidavit should refer to each document that bears a different name and explain the reason for each variation. For example, it might reference a birth certificate (showing the birth name), a marriage certificate (showing the change to a married name), a deed poll (showing a later change), and current identity documents. It should state that all names mentioned refer to one and the same person, the deponent.

Yes, in many cases. HMPO guidance allows statutory declarations under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 as an alternative to a sworn affidavit for name discrepancy purposes. Both forms carry the same criminal liability for false statements and are sworn before the same types of authorised persons. It is worth confirming with HMPO which format they require for the specific application before having the document prepared.

The criminal risk is very serious. Making a false statement on oath is perjury under the Perjury Act 1911 (maximum seven years). Providing false information to obtain a passport is also an offence under the Identity Documents Act 2010 and the Fraud Act 2006 (maximum ten years' imprisonment). HMPO conducts identity verification checks and refers suspected fraud to the police.

No. Notarisation is not required for HMPO passport applications within the UK. An affidavit sworn before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths under the Oaths Act 1978 is fully acceptable. Notarisation by a Notary Public is only required where the document will be used in foreign jurisdictions or official proceedings abroad. For a domestic passport application, a Commissioner for Oaths' signature is entirely sufficient.

Yes. A well-drafted affidavit confirming that multiple names refer to the same person can be used for other identity-related purposes, such as updating bank records, DVLA driving licence records, or professional registrations. It is worth keeping a certified copy for future use. Solicitors can certify photocopies of the original sworn affidavit, so you do not need to have it re-sworn each time it is needed.