What an affidavit of driver's license is and when you need it

An affidavit of driver's license is a sworn statement that confirms you hold a valid driver's license or provides details about your license when you cannot produce the physical card. It is not the license itself — it is a legal document you sign in front of a notary public or other authorized official, swearing under oath that the information you provide is true.

You typically need this document when you have lost your license but must prove you hold one, when a government agency or employer needs written confirmation of your license status, or when you are explore for something that requires proof of a valid license but you cannot locate the card itself. Banks, insurance companies, courts, and employers sometimes request this instead of accepting a photocopy or your word alone.

The affidavit does not replace a driver's license for driving. You still cannot legally operate a vehicle with only an affidavit. It is a supporting document that proves the license exists or existed at the time you signed the statement.

Key Takeaways

  • An affidavit of driver's license is a notarized statement confirming you hold a valid license, used when you cannot produce the physical card.
  • You will need to visit a notary public, bring a form of identification, and swear or affirm that the information is accurate.
  • The specific wording and format may vary by state, so check with the organization requesting the affidavit for their preferred template.
  • An affidavit does not give you permission to drive without a license — it only proves the license exists for administrative or legal purposes.

Where to find a notary public and what to bring

A notary public is the person authorized to witness your signature and verify your identity. You can find notaries at banks (often free if you have an account), UPS stores, FedEx locations, title companies, law offices, and some libraries. Many charge between $5 and $15 per signature. Some states allow online notarization, though the organization requesting the affidavit must accept that form.

Bring a current form of identification — a passport, state ID card, or another government-issued ID with your photo. The notary will check this to confirm you are who you say you are. You do not need to bring your driver's license itself; in fact, you usually cannot because you have lost it or cannot locate it.

Call ahead before visiting a notary to confirm they are available and to ask whether they have a template for an affidavit of driver's license or whether you should bring one with you. Some notaries keep standard forms on hand; others will notarize a form you provide.

What information goes in the affidavit

The affidavit typically includes your full legal name, date of birth, current address, and driver's license number if you remember it. You will state that you hold a valid driver's license issued by your state, that the license number and issue date are correct (if you know them), and that you are signing this statement under penalty of perjury — meaning you understand that lying on a notarized document is a crime.

If you do not remember your license number, you can say so in the affidavit. The organization requesting it may then contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to verify the information. Some affidavits ask you to explain why you need the document or why you cannot produce the original license.

The exact wording matters. If the organization requesting the affidavit has provided a specific form or template, use that. If they have not, ask them what language they need before you visit the notary. A notary can notarize a form you write yourself, but a form the requesting organization has already approved will be processed faster.

How to get a template or form

Start by asking the organization that requested the affidavit whether they have a standard form. Banks, insurance companies, courts, and government agencies often do. They may email it to you or have it available on their website. Using their form ensures the affidavit will contain exactly what they need.

If no form is available, you can create a straightforward one yourself. The document should include the date, your full name, a statement that you hold a valid driver's license, your license number (if known), the state that issued it, and a sentence swearing or affirming that the information is true under penalty of perjury. The notary will add their seal and signature after you sign.

Some states provide sample affidavit language on their Department of Motor Vehicles website. Search "[your state] DMV affidavit of driver's license" to see whether a template is available. Legal document websites also offer templates, though you should verify that any template matches your state's requirements before using it.

The notarization process and what happens after

When you arrive at the notary, bring your identification and the affidavit form (either one you have prepared or one the notary provides). The notary will ask you to read the document, confirm that the information is accurate, and sign it in front of them. They will then add their official seal, signature, and the date. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Once notarized, the affidavit is a legal document. Make several copies — keep one for your records and send the others to whoever requested it. The organization will review it and either accept it or ask for additional information. Some will contact your state's DMV to verify that you do hold a valid license.

An affidavit is not permanent. If you need to prove your license status again months or years later, you may need to sign a new affidavit. The one you sign today is a statement of fact as of that date.

What to do if you have lost your license and need to drive

An affidavit of driver's license does not permit you to drive. If you have lost your physical license and need to drive legally, you must obtain a replacement from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This usually involves visiting a DMV office in person, bringing proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee (typically $10 to $30, depending on your state).

Many states allow you to order a replacement online or by mail, though some require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the fastest option. A replacement license usually arrives within one to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, some states issue a temporary paper license on the spot.

If you need an affidavit for a non-driving purpose — such as proving your license status to a bank or employer — you can obtain the affidavit while you are waiting for your replacement license to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize an affidavit of driver's license online?

Some states allow remote notarization, where you sign the document on video while a notary watches. However, the organization requesting the affidavit must accept this form. Call ahead and ask whether they will take an electronically notarized affidavit before you pursue this option. If they will not, you will need to visit a notary in person.

What if I do not remember my driver's license number?

You can still sign the affidavit and state that you do not recall the number. The organization requesting it can contact your state's DMV to verify your license information. Provide as much detail as you can — your full legal name, date of birth, and the state that issued the license — to make verification easier.

Is an affidavit of driver's license the same as a certified copy of my license?

No. A certified copy is an official document from your state's DMV confirming your license details. An affidavit is your sworn statement. Some organizations accept either one. Ask which document they prefer before you spend time and money obtaining it.

How much does a notary charge for an affidavit of driver's license?

Notary fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature. Banks often notarize documents free for account holders. UPS stores and FedEx locations usually charge $10 to $15. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you visit.

Can I use an affidavit of driver's license to prove my identity?

An affidavit is a supporting document, not a primary form of identification. Most organizations that need proof of identity will ask for your actual driver's license, passport, or state ID card. An affidavit may help if you have lost your license and need to prove you held one, but it does not replace a government-issued ID.