General Mobile Notary

Name Change Affidavit & Same-Name Affidavit Notarization in Los Angeles

When your name appears differently on passports, IDs, school records, or immigration papers, a notarized name change or same-name affidavit helps connect everything together. A mobile notary comes to your home, office, or another convenient location so you can swear to the facts, sign, and notarize the affidavit in one visit.

Understanding The Document

What Is A Name Change Or Same-Name Affidavit?

A name change or same-name affidavit is a sworn statement where you explain how different versions of your name all refer to the same person. It is often used when you have changed your name, your name was recorded differently in the past, or there are spelling differences across important documents.

Common Name Mismatches

  • Marriage or divorce leading to different last names across records.
  • Middle names, initials, or maiden names appearing inconsistently.
  • Spelling variations or transliteration differences from another language.
  • Nicknames or shortened names used on school, employment, or bank records.
  • Old documents issued before an official legal name change.

Where These Affidavits Are Used

  • Immigration and consular cases where documents show different names.
  • Passport and visa applications that need an explanation for name variations.
  • Banking, investment, and retirement accounts with mismatched records.
  • Real estate transactions and title work that require clear identity.
  • Professional licensing, school enrollment, and employment onboarding.

The affidavit does not change your legal name by itself. It explains that documents issued under different names all belong to you, so agencies and institutions can accept them together.


When You Need One

Situations Where A Name Change Affidavit Helps

Name change and same-name affidavits are requested in many different contexts. Having the notarized affidavit ready before an application or appointment can prevent delays and repeated requests for proof.

Immigration, Passport & Consular

  • USCIS or NVC asks you to explain different names in your file.
  • A foreign consulate needs proof that your maiden and married names are the same person.
  • Passport renewal or first-time passport where birth certificate and ID names do not match.
  • Visa applications that combine school, employment, and marriage records under different names.

Banking, Property & Everyday Use

  • Opening or updating bank, brokerage, or retirement accounts with mixed name history.
  • Real estate closings where title, ID, and loan documents show different versions of your name.
  • Employer or licensing board questions about mismatched names on transcripts or certifications.
  • Linking older court, school, or medical records to your current legal name.

Agencies may provide their own affidavit form or ask you to supply one. Always follow the specific instructions given by your attorney, consulate, or institution.


Types Of Affidavits

Types Of Name Change & Same-Name Affidavits

Most name change affidavits follow a similar pattern: you identify yourself, list the different versions of your name, and explain why they differ. Some organizations use their own forms, while others accept a general sworn statement.

General Same-Name Affidavit

  • States your current legal name and any former or alternate names.
  • Confirms that all listed names refer to the same individual.
  • May reference key documents such as passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate.
  • Usually notarized with a jurat because you are swearing the information is true.

Affidavit For Marriage Or Divorce Name Changes

  • Explains a change from a maiden name to a married name or back again.
  • Often used when marriage or divorce records are from another country or state.
  • Helps connect older school, work, or property records to your current name.

Affidavits For Spelling & Transliteration

  • Covers spelling differences between documents (for example, accents, double letters, or reversed name order).
  • Common when names are translated or transliterated from another language.
  • Explains why the spellings differ while confirming that both refer to you.

What Your Affidavit Should Include

  • Your full current legal name, date of birth, and contact information.
  • A list of all other names, spellings, or versions that appear on your documents.
  • A short explanation of why the names are different.
  • A clear statement that all of the names belong to the same person: you.

The requesting agency should tell you if they need specific language. When in doubt, confirm with your attorney, bank, or consulate before finalizing the wording.


Notarization Details

How Name Change & Same-Name Affidavits Are Notarized

Type Of Notarization

  • Most name change and same-name affidavits use a jurat, because you are swearing the contents are true.
  • With a jurat, you must sign in front of the notary and take an oath or affirmation.
  • If your form already has preprinted notarial wording, the notary will follow that language.
  • If no wording is included, the notary will ask whether the requesting party expects a jurat or an acknowledgment.

At Your Appointment

  1. The mobile notary arrives at your chosen location and reviews your valid photo ID.
  2. You review the affidavit and confirm it is complete and accurate.
  3. The notary administers an oath or affirmation if a jurat is required.
  4. You sign the affidavit in the notary's presence.
  5. The notary completes the notarial certificate, applies their seal, and records the notarization in their journal.

Important: The notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature but does not decide whether your affidavit is sufficient for your legal, immigration, or banking requirements. For legal advice or specific wording, consult an attorney or the requesting institution.


Before Your Appointment

What To Have Ready & International Use

Documents And Information

  • Valid, current government issued photo ID (drivers license, state ID, passport, or similar).
  • A draft of your name change or same-name affidavit, not yet signed.
  • Copies of key documents showing the different names (passport, ID, birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank records, etc.).
  • Any reference numbers for your case, application, or file (immigration, bank, or consular case numbers).
  • Specific instructions or sample language provided by the requesting agency or your attorney.

If You Do Not Have A Document Yet

  • We bring a laptop and portable printer to your appointment.
  • You can use templates from your attorney, bank, consulate, or a legal document platform.
  • You fill in the details on our laptop, review the wording, and make any edits you need.
  • We print the final version, you sign in front of the notary, and we notarize it in the same visit.

Apostille For International Use

  • A foreign consulate or embassy may request a notarized and apostilled same-name affidavit.
  • Common when using U.S. documents to apply for citizenship, marriage, or residency in another country.
  • Foreign banks, schools, or employers may need proof that documents with different names belong to the same person.
  • The destination country must be a member of the Hague Apostille Convention to accept an apostille.

How We Can Help

  • We notarize your name change or same-name affidavit correctly for international use.
  • We can submit the notarized affidavit for apostille or full consular legalization if needed.
  • Many apostilles can be processed on a same or next business day basis.
  • Visit our apostille services page to learn more.

Disclaimer: Mobile American Notary & Apostilles is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. You are responsible for choosing the correct document and wording. The notary facilitates printing and notarization only.


Related Documents

Other Affidavits And Documents Often Used With Name Change Affidavits

General Affidavit Or Sworn Statement

Sworn written statements requested by courts, agencies, or institutions when there is no specific form available.
Copy Certification By Document Custodian

Sworn statements that copies of your IDs, passports, or other records are true and correct copies of the originals.
Immigration Affidavit Of Support

Sworn financial support statements and support letters for immigration cases where name consistency also matters.
View All General Notary Documents

See the full list of everyday documents we notarize across Los Angeles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Name Change & Same-Name Affidavit FAQ

What is a name change affidavit or same-name affidavit?

A name change affidavit or same-name affidavit is a sworn statement where you explain and confirm that different versions of your name all refer to the same person. It is used when your current legal name does not exactly match the name that appears on other documents.

When do I need a name change or same-name affidavit?

You may need one for immigration cases, passport and consular matters, bank and financial records, real estate transactions, employment or licensing, or any situation where an agency or institution questions name mismatches between documents.

Does a name change affidavit need to be notarized?

Most name change and same-name affidavits are sworn statements and are expected to be notarized. Notarization adds credibility and helps agencies, banks, and consulates trust that the statement is genuine.

What type of notarization does a name change affidavit require?

Most name change affidavits use a jurat, because you are swearing or affirming that the information is true. The notary administers an oath or affirmation and watches you sign. If your form calls for an acknowledgment instead, the notary will follow that wording.

Can you help me draft my same-name affidavit?

A notary cannot provide legal advice or choose wording for you, but we bring a laptop and portable printer so you can use templates from your attorney, bank, consulate, or a legal document platform to draft the affidavit, then sign and notarize it in one visit.

Can a name change affidavit be apostilled for use in another country?

Yes. After your name change or same-name affidavit is notarized, it can often be apostilled or legalized for use overseas. This is common when foreign consulates, embassies, or banks need proof that your documents with different names belong to the same person.