Affidavit of One and the Same Person: What It Is, How to Get It, and Why You Might Need It
In the Philippines, it’s common for individuals to have documents showing different versions of their name, some may include a middle name or initial, others may use a maiden or married name, while others may even contain typographical errors. When this happens, an Affidavit of One and the Same Person becomes a necessary tool to prove that all those name variations refer to a single individual.
What is an Affidavit of One and the Same Person?
An Affidavit of One and the Same Person is a sworn written statement declaring that multiple names appearing in various documents all refer to one and the same person. This legal document is commonly used to address discrepancies in personal records—such as birth certificates, IDs, academic records, bank documents, and government forms.
For example, your birth certificate might state “Ana Maria Cruz,” your passport shows “Ana M. Cruz,” and your marriage certificate lists “Ana Cruz-Dela Peña”. By executing an Affidavit of One and the Same Person, you formally declare that each of these different versions of your name pertains to you, confirming that they all pertain to the same individual despite their differences in format or spelling.
Where and How to Get an Affidavit of Same Person?
Getting this affidavit is a straightforward process:
Prepare the Details
List all the different versions of your name that appear on your documents and confirm in writing that they all refer to you. Include your personal details such as your full legal name, date of birth, and the reason for the affidavit (e.g., for banking, employment, or legal purposes, etc.). Attach copies of the documents with different versions of your name to the affidavit.
Visit a Notary Public
Go to a licensed notary public or a law office. Bring valid government-issued identification cards and supporting documents showing the different names.
Have the Affidavit Notarized
The notary will review the document, confirm your identity, and witness your signature.Secure Multiple Copies
Keep original and photocopied versions for submission to banks, schools, government agencies, or any institution that requires it.
What is the Purpose of an Affidavit of One and the Same Person?
This affidavit is useful in many real-life situations, especially where mismatched name records could cause confusion or delays. Common uses include:
Verifying identity in legal and administrative transactions
Processing bank transactions or loan applications
Updating government records such as SSS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG
Correcting or supporting documents for passport or visa applications
Claiming benefits, pensions, or insurance
Submitting school or employment credentials
In short, this affidavit helps you avoid problems when your name appears differently in official documents, by legally affirming that you are the same person referred to in all those records.
Download our free template from the Dulay Law Co. Resources Page at https://www.dulaylaw.com/resources.
If you're unsure how to draft or where to file this affidavit, you may reach us at +63.927.487.0737, email us at contact@dulaylaw.com, or visit https://www.dulaylaw.com/contact-us to learn more about how we can help.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
