Final answer:
Certifying an affidavit involves writing the statement of facts, signing it in front of a notary or authorized official after taking an oath, and having the notary certify it with their seal.
Step-by-step explanation:
To certify an affidavit, an individual must take specific steps to ensure its legality and authenticity. The process typically involves the following three steps:
- The affidavit must be written, clearly stating the facts that the affiant (the person making the affidavit) swears to be true.
- The affiant must sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public or other authorized official. This step is crucial as it involves the affiant taking an oath or affirmation to attest to the truthfulness of the affidavit's content.
- The notary public or authorized official must then certify the affidavit by verifying the identity of the affiant, witnessing the signature, and applying their seal or stamp to indicate that the affidavit has been properly notarized.
It is essential that the affiant be truthful when making an affidavit, as providing false information under oath can lead to legal consequences, including charges of perjury.