Name Affidavit Template for Saudi Arabia

What is a Name Affidavit?

A Name Affidavit serves as a crucial legal instrument in Saudi Arabia for individuals who need to formally establish or clarify their identity due to variations in how their name appears across different documents or systems. This document is particularly important in a jurisdiction where names may have multiple transliterations from Arabic to English, or where individuals may be known by different names in different contexts. The Name Affidavit typically includes detailed personal information, explanation of name variations, and supporting documentation, all of which must comply with Saudi Arabian legal requirements and Islamic law principles. It is commonly required for official proceedings, financial transactions, property dealings, or immigration purposes, and must be properly notarized by authorized officials to be considered valid.

About the Name Affidavit

A Name Affidavit is a sworn legal declaration that allows you to formally establish or clarify your identity in Saudi Arabia when discrepancies exist in how your name appears across different documents. This document is particularly crucial in Saudi Arabia due to the complexities of transliterating Arabic names into English and the various ways names may be recorded in different systems.

When do you need this document?

You will need a Name Affidavit when applying for official documents such as passports, visas, or national identity cards where name consistency is required. It becomes essential when opening bank accounts, purchasing property, or conducting business transactions where your name appears differently on various identification documents. The document is also required when dealing with international organizations, educational institutions, or employers who need verification that different name variations refer to the same person. Immigration authorities often request Name Affidavits when processing visa applications or residency permits to confirm identity continuity across documents.

Key legal considerations

Your Name Affidavit must include a clear declaration statement with the date and location of execution, along with comprehensive personal information including your full current name, nationality, Saudi ID number, and current address. You must provide detailed information about all name variations, explaining the reasons for discrepancies and providing supporting documentation to substantiate your claims. The affidavit must be signed in the presence of authorized witnesses and notarized by a licensed notary public or government authority representative. You should be aware that providing false information in an affidavit constitutes perjury under Saudi law and can result in serious legal consequences including criminal charges.

Legal requirements in Saudi Arabia

Under the Civil Status Law (Royal Decree No. M/7) and the Law of Public Notarization, your Name Affidavit must comply with specific formatting and content requirements established by Saudi authorities. The document must be prepared in Arabic or include certified Arabic translations when submitted to government agencies, and you may need to engage a certified translator authorized by the Ministry of Justice. Islamic law principles govern naming conventions, and your affidavit must respect these religious requirements, particularly regarding the use of appropriate Islamic names and avoiding prohibited naming practices. The notarization process requires authentication by officials recognized under the Executive Regulations of Civil Status Law, and you may need additional verification from religious authorities depending on your circumstances and the intended use of the document.