What is a One And The Same Name Affidavit?
The One and the Same Name Affidavit serves as a crucial legal instrument in Saudi Arabia where variations in name spelling, particularly between Arabic and English translations, can create confusion in official and business documentation. This document is commonly required when an individual needs to establish that different versions of their name (such as those appearing on passports, educational certificates, or business documents) legally refer to the same person. The affidavit must be executed in compliance with Saudi Arabian law, including relevant provisions of the Civil Status Law and notarization requirements. It typically contains personal identification details, all name variations, and supporting documentation, and must be authenticated by appropriate authorities. This document is particularly important for legal, business, and administrative procedures where precise identification is essential.
About the One And The Same Name Affidavit
A One and the Same Name Affidavit is a sworn legal declaration that establishes your identity when different variations of your name appear on various official documents. In Saudi Arabia, where Arabic names are often transliterated differently into English, this document serves as critical proof that all name variations legally refer to you as the same individual.
When do you need this document?
You'll require this affidavit when applying for employment with multinational companies that need to verify your educational credentials against passport information. Government agencies often request this document when processing visa applications or residency permits where name discrepancies exist between your passport and supporting documents. Banks and financial institutions may require this affidavit when opening accounts or processing loan applications if your identification documents show different name spellings. Educational institutions, particularly when applying for higher education abroad or professional certification, frequently demand this document to reconcile academic transcripts with current identification.
Key legal considerations
Your affidavit must include comprehensive personal identification details including your current legal name, Saudi ID or Iqama number, nationality, date of birth, and current address. The document must contain a complete list of all name variations you've used, specifying where each variation appears (passport, academic certificates, employment records). You'll need to provide a clear purpose statement explaining why you're making this declaration and attach supporting documentation such as copies of all documents showing the different name spellings. The affidavit requires your sworn statement that all listed name variations refer to you as the same person, and you must sign the document in the presence of authorized witnesses.
Legal requirements in Saudi Arabia
Under Saudi Arabian law, your One and the Same Name Affidavit must comply with the Civil Status Law and Ministry of Justice authentication requirements. The document must be notarized by a licensed notary public or executed before an authorized Ministry of Justice representative. For documents intended for international use, you'll need additional authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and potentially the relevant embassy or consulate. The affidavit must be prepared in both Arabic and English when used for international purposes, with certified translations where necessary. All supporting documents referenced in the affidavit must be properly authenticated and may require apostille certification for use abroad. The document must follow specific formatting requirements established by the National Center for Documentation and Archives, and you must retain certified copies for your records as this affidavit may be referenced in future legal proceedings.
Governing law
Applicable law
This One And The Same Name Affidavit is drafted to comply with Saudi Arabia law. Key legislation includes:
Civil Status Law (Royal Decree No. M/7): Regulates personal identification documentation and name registration requirements in Saudi Arabia
Law of Public Notarization: Governs the authentication and notarization of legal documents, including affidavits, in Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Justice Regulations on Document Authentication: Specific regulations governing the format and requirements for legal document authentication in Saudi courts and notary offices
National Center for Documentation and Archives Regulations: Guidelines for official document preparation and archiving, including requirements for personal identification documents
Ministry of Interior Regulations on Personal Identification: Rules governing personal identification documents and name usage in official documentation