How To  Get Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth

An affidavit for change of date of birth is one of the most requested legal documents in Nigeria, especially by people correcting errors in their official records. Whether you’re updating your passport, applying for a visa, processing employment documents, or requesting an affidavit for change of date of birth in BVN, getting the process right is essential. A single mismatch in your date of birth across official documents can delay applications, trigger additional verification, or even lead to rejection.

Identity verification has become increasingly important as Nigeria expands its digital identity ecosystem. According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the country has enrolled over 126 million Nigerians into the National Identification Number (NIN) database. At the same time, banks, government agencies, and educational institutions continue to strengthen Know Your Customer (KYC) and identity verification processes. This makes consistency across your personal records more important than ever.

This post explains everything you need to know about obtaining an affidavit for change of date of birth in Nigeria. You’ll learn:

• When you need an affidavit for change of date of birth in Nigeria
• The documents to prepare 
• How to process an affidavit for BVN date of birth correction
• The cost of processing an affidavit and the best place to obtain one

When Is an Affidavit for Birth Certificate Required in Nigeria?

You may need an affidavit for change of date of birth when the date of birth on one official document differs from the date recorded on another. The affidavit serves as a sworn legal declaration explaining the discrepancy. Many institutions request it as part of the supporting documents for correcting or updating personal records.

You may need an affidavit for a birth certificate in the following situations:

• You never had a birth certificate issued. An affidavit may form part of the documents required when applying for a Birth Attestation through the National Population Commission (NPC).
• Correcting your Bank Verification Number (BVN) records.
• Updating your National Identification Number (NIN) details, where applicable.
• Correcting your date of birth on a Nigerian passport.
• Resolving discrepancies in WAEC, NECO, JAMB, or other educational records, where permitted.
• Processing employment or pension records.
• Your birth certificate has been lost, damaged, or destroyed. 
• You are applying for a Birth Attestation from the NPC. 
• A government agency or court specifically requests it. 

How to Get an Affidavit of Age Declaration

Keep in mind that an affidavit alone does not automatically change your date of birth. Most organisations also require additional supporting documents, and each institution has its own correction procedure. Always confirm the specific requirements before submitting your application. Meanwhile, if you need assistance, DocuTrust Africa can help you process the appropriate affidavit and guide you through the required documentation for your application.

What Documents Are Required for an Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth?

To process an affidavit for change of date of birth, you must provide documents that establish your identity and support the requested correction. The exact requirements may vary depending on the institution receiving the affidavit, but you will generally need:

• A valid means of identification, such as a National ID Card, NIN slip, International Passport, Driver’s Licence, or Permanent Voter’s Card.
• A recent passport photograph, where required.
• Your current and correct date of birth.
• Documents showing the discrepancy, where available. Examples include:
  • Birth Certificate
  • National Identification Number (NIN) record
  • Bank Verification Number (BVN) record
  • International Passport
  • WAEC, NECO, or JAMB records
  • School admission records
  • Baptismal certificate or immunisation card, where applicable.
• Any additional documents requested by the organisation where the correction will be made.

Where to Get an Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth in Nigeria

You should obtain an affidavit for change of date of birth through a legally recognised channel to ensure it is accepted by the organisation requesting it. 

The most common options include:

• State or Federal High Courts: Many people obtain their affidavit through a State High Court or the Federal High Court, where the affidavit is sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths.
• Licensed Legal Practitioners: Some law firms assist clients with preparing affidavits and guiding them through the swearing process in accordance with Nigerian law.
• DocuTrust Africa: If you want a faster and more convenient online option, DocuTrust Africa provides professional assistance with processing an affidavit for change of date of birth. The team reviews your documents, prepares your application, and guides you through the required legal process. 

Can I Do an Affidavit Online in Nigeria?

Yes. You can begin the application for an affidavit for change of date of birth online in Nigeria through trusted document service providers and judiciary e-affidavit platforms available in some states. These platforms allow you to complete an application form, upload supporting documents, make payment, and schedule or complete the required oath-taking process online where the service is available.

You can also use reputable document processing companies such as DocuTrust Africa, which assists applicants with preparing their affidavit, reviewing supporting documents, and guiding them through the legal process. This option is ideal if you want professional support and wish to avoid unnecessary delays or errors.

How to Get an Affidavit Online in Nigeria

Is an Online Affidavit Legally Valid in Nigeria?

Yes. An online affidavit for change of date of birth is legally valid in Nigeria provided it complies with the requirements of Nigerian law. The affidavit must be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths, a Notary Public (where applicable), or another person authorised by the Oaths Act to administer oaths. The fact that the application begins online does not affect its legal validity.

Several Nigerian judiciaries now operate official e-affidavit platforms that enable applicants to prepare affidavits online, schedule virtual deposition before a Commissioner for Oaths, and receive electronically signed and verifiable affidavits. These systems are designed to meet the applicable legal requirements for administering oaths.

If you choose to use a private service provider, ensure it follows the proper legal process. DocuTrust Africa helps applicants process affidavits in accordance with Nigerian legal requirements, giving you confidence that your affidavit can be presented to banks, government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and other organisations that request it.

How to Get an Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth

To get an affidavit for a change or correction of your date of birth, you can use official online state court portals (like VARMS or state judiciary e-affidavit systems) or visit a physical court registry. 

Steps to Get the Affidavit Online

• Visit portal: Go to an official state high court or e-affidavit platform like the Federal High Court e-Affidavit Portal, VARMS or a trusted documentation provider such as DocuTrust Africa.
• Create account: Sign up with your full name, phone number, and a valid email address.
• Select template: Choose the template for “Correction of Date of Birth” or “Statutory Declaration of Age”.
• Fill details: Enter your current incorrect details and your preferred correct date of birth.
• Upload documents: Provide a passport photograph, signature, and a valid ID (such as your NIN slip).
• Make payment: Pay the required court and processing fees online securely.
• Download/Print: Receive your digitally signed and court-verified affidavit via email or download it directly from your dashboard once approved. 

How Much Does Affidavit Cost in Nigeria

Steps to Get the Affidavit in Person

• Visit court: Go to the nearest State High Court or Magistrate Court registry.
• Request form: Tell the court clerk you need an affidavit for a change or correction of your date of birth.
• Fill and pay: Complete the paper form with your correct details and pay the official court stamping fee.
• Swear oath: Appear before the Commissioner for Oaths to sign and confirm the truth of the statement. 

How to Get an Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth in BVN

To get a court affidavit for changing your date of birth on your Bank Verification Number (BVN), you can either visit a physical court registry or use an approved online state court platform like the e-Affidavit Portal or VARMS. You must state your wrong birth date, your correct birth date, and present it to your bank along with your National Identification Number (NIN) slip and birth certificate. 

If you’re going for an online option, go to a verified platform, choose the correction of date of birth template, fill in your details, pay the court fee online, and download or print the signed document. 

If you want to go physical, visit any local Magistrate Court or High Court registry, request a Statutory Declaration of Age or Correction of Date of Birth form, fill in the correct and incorrect dates, and swear it before a commissioner of oaths.

After these procedures, you can take your new court affidavit, a valid birth certificate, and your updated NIN slip to your issuing bank. Fill out the bank’s BVN modification form to sync your records.

How Much Does an Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth Cost in Nigeria?

The cost of obtaining an official affidavit for change of date of birth depends on where you process it and whether you require additional documentation. Generally, you can expect to pay between ₦500 and ₦10,000 for a standard affidavit. However, you should expect to pay significantly more to complete the overall process because institutions charge separate administrative fees to actually update your records. 

Although affordability is important, you should also consider accuracy and reliability. Errors in your affidavit can delay your application and result in additional expenses. You can reach out to DocuTrust Africa to get affordable affidavit processing from our team of professionals.

How to Obtain Age Declaration Affidavit in Nigeria

Why Choose DocuTrust Africa for Your Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth?

Correcting your date of birth is more than obtaining an affidavit. It requires submitting the right documents, following the correct procedure, and ensuring every detail is accurate. That’s where DocuTrust Africa comes in.

Instead of navigating the process alone, you can rely on a team experienced in handling legal documentation for individuals, students, professionals, and businesses across Nigeria.

With DocuTrust Africa, you benefit from:

• Professional guidance throughout the application.
• Careful review of your documents before processing.
• Fast, convenient, and reliable service.
• Secure handling of your personal information.
• Support for related services, including document authentication, legalization, newspaper publication, passport processing, and CAC registration.

Choose DocuTrust Africa for a seamless and professionally managed experience. Our team is ready to help you process your affidavit quickly, accurately, and with confidence.

FAQs On Getting an Affidavit for Change of Date of Birth

Is an affidavit for a birth certificate the same as a birth certificate?

No. An affidavit for birth certificate is a sworn legal declaration, while a birth certificate is an official record of birth issued by the National Population Commission (NPC) or another authorised birth registration authority. An affidavit does not replace a birth certificate unless the receiving institution expressly accepts it as supporting evidence.

Can I use an affidavit for a birth certificate to apply for a passport?

It depends on the requirements of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). In some situations, an affidavit may be accepted as a supporting document, but you may also need to provide a birth certificate, Birth Attestation, or other evidence of your date of birth. 

How long does it take to get an affidavit for a birth certificate?

The processing time depends on the service provider and the completeness of your application. In many cases, a standard affidavit can be processed within the same day or within 24 to 48 hours, provided all the required documents have been submitted.

Why should I choose DocuTrust Africa for my affidavit for a birth certificate?

DocuTrust Africa offers a fast, convenient, and professionally managed affidavit service. In addition to processing affidavits, the platform also provides birth attestation guidance, document authentication, legalization, newspaper publication, CAC registration, passport services, and other legal documentation solutions, making it a one-stop destination for your documentation needs.

Can I use an affidavit for a birth certificate for school admission or employment?

Yes, some schools and employers may accept an affidavit for a birth certificate as a supporting document where a birth certificate is unavailable. However, acceptance varies by institution. 

Does an affidavit expire in Nigeria?

No, an affidavit does not have a legal expiration date in Nigeria, but individual organizations or government agencies may refuse to accept older copies if they require recent confirmation of facts.

References

dailytrust.com – Adoption of NIN based voter register 

affidafy.com.ng – Affidavit for birth certificate