Final answer:
An affidavit is a written declaration by a person who verifies their identity, witnessed by a notary public or authorized official.
Step-by-step explanation:
The written declaration by a person who signs a document that he or she is actually who he or she claims to be is called an affidavit.
Affidavits are witnessed by a notary public or other authorized official. The notary public or authorized official verifies the identity of the person signing the affidavit and ensures that they understand the contents of the document.
The purpose of having an affidavit witnessed by a notary public or other authorized official is to provide an additional level of assurance that the person who signed the document is indeed who they claim to be.