--- title: "Affidavit of Identity When Your Names Do Not Match | MCC" description: "Records sometimes show different spellings or names for the same person. Learn how a sworn identity statement works and what a notary verifies." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/affidavit-of-identity-and-name-discrepancy" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Affidavit of Identity When Your Names Do Not Match Names can differ across records because of marriage, typos, transliteration or old nicknames. An affidavit of identity, sometimes called an affidavit of one and the same, states that two versions refer to one person. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** An affidavit of identity, sometimes called an affidavit of one and the same, states that two versions of a name refer to one person. Title companies, banks, pension offices and schools sometimes refuse to process a file when names vary across records. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Notary fees by state](/notary/fees-by-state) · [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Where mismatches cause trouble Title companies, banks, pension offices, schools abroad and benefit agencies sometimes refuse to process a file when names vary. A birth certificate may show one spelling while a license shows another. Property deeds may show initials while loans show a full name. Each recipient will say whether this affidavit is acceptable. ## What the statement lists The affiant lists each name or spelling used, where each appears and states that they are one person. They may add a date of birth, address history and the last four digits of a number, depending on the form. Attach copies of records showing each version. Do not include sensitive numbers that the recipient does not require. ## Notary steps The affiant swears an oath and signs while the notary watches. The notary checks ID. If the ID shows only one of the names, the notary will note it. The notary does not decide that two names belong to one person; the affiant makes the statement. The notary completes a jurat and journal entry. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Alternatives and fixes For lasting problems, correct the underlying record. Court name changes, amended birth records or updated licenses can reduce future mismatches. A sworn affidavit solves a one-time paperwork gap but not the root cause. Ask an attorney if the mismatch involves property or inheritance. ## Practical advice Gather your records before drafting. Use a consistent order for names, such as 'also known as'. Prepare several signed originals when multiple offices need one. Avoid exaggeration or extra details. Remote online notarization can help when the affiant is far from the receiving office. ## Scenario: a pension claim with two spellings A widow files for a pension benefit. Her husband's birth record shows a spelling that differs from his employment file. The pension office asks for an affidavit of one and the same. She writes both spellings, states they refer to her late husband, and attaches copies of the two records. She swears before a notary and sends the package with the claim. A second witness statement from a sibling is added at the office's request. Not every case needs this, but it can help. Ask the benefit office early about what supporting statements it values. This saves time and reduces back-and-forth letters. Be careful to describe, not explain away. The affidavit should say which records show which versions, and it should not speculate about why a clerk made an error. Short and plain wins. If the mismatch involves a child, an adoption or a prior legal change, an attorney can tell you whether another document would work better than an affidavit. Some offices ask for a second person to swear to your identity. Choose someone who has known you for years and who has ID. That person signs a separate affidavit before the notary, and the two are submitted together. Ask the office whether it accepts a relative or wants a non-relative. ## Common questions **Can I be one and the same with a different first name?** The affidavit can state it, but the recipient decides whether to accept it. **Does the notary verify my other names?** No. The notary only identifies you with your current ID. **Is there a standard form?** Many title companies have their own version. ## More notary guides - [Affidavit of Lost Document: Steps and Notary Role](/notary/guides/lost-document-affidavit-notary-guide) - [Self-Proving Affidavit for a Will: Who Signs What](/notary/guides/self-proving-affidavit-for-a-will) - [Mortgage Gift Letters: Notarizing the Donor Statement](/notary/guides/gift-letter-for-mortgage-notarization) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[### Remote Online Notarization (RON) Notarize documents online over secure video with a New Jersey notary. ID verification, electronic seal and a recorded session. Book a RON session. Remote online notary →](/notary/remote-online-notarization)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Affidavit and Sworn Statement Template Pack Five plain fill-in templates for the statements people get asked to swear to, a chart for picking the right one, and a checklist so the notary visit works the first time. [See what's inside ($19)](/toolkits/affidavit-sworn-statement-template-pack) [Free sample](/toolkits/affidavit-sworn-statement-template-pack#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Related - [How to get a name change affidavit notarized online](/notary/how-to-get-a-name-change-affidavit-notarized-online) - [How to get an affidavit of identity notarized online](/notary/how-to-get-an-identity-affidavit-notarized-online) ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)