Affidavit of Character

What Is an Affidavit of Character?

An affidavit of character (also called an affidavit of good moral character, character affidavit, or affidavit for character reference) is a notarized statement made by someone who knows the subject personally and can vouch for their values, conduct, and integrity. The person writing the affidavit (the “affiant”) affirms, under penalty of perjury, that their statements are factual and based on firsthand experience.

Who Can Write One?

Anyone with meaningful knowledge of the subject’s character can submit an affidavit, as long as they’re not directly involved in the case. Common examples include:

• Friends or family members
• Employers or coworkers
• Neighbors or community leaders

When Is It Used?

Affidavits of character are often required in sensitive or formal processes such as:

• Immigration proceedings
• Custody or adoption cases
• Adult name changes
• Employment or housing applications
• Licensing and certification processes
• Other legal matters where personal integrity matters

How to Write an Affidavit of Character

A strong affidavit should cover the following:

1. Affiant and Subject Information

Include the name of the affiant, their relationship to the subject, how long they’ve known them, their current address, and optionally, their job title and employer.

2. Affirmation of Character

The core of the statement: a sincere description of the subject’s moral character. Mention traits like honesty, fairness, kindness, or responsibility. You can add examples—such as community involvement, parenting qualities, or reliability at work—and clearly state that you are unaware of any criminal activity or behavior that would suggest otherwise.

3. Notary Acknowledgment

For the affidavit to be legally binding, the affiant must sign the document in the presence of a notary public. The notary will then complete and seal the final section.