You will need proof of your residence when you move from one state to another or even if you move across town. Proof of residence is required to register to vote, change the address on your driver license, apply for government benefits and register children in school. You may not have a utility bill or other proof of residence if you have recently moved, or if you rent a house or apartment that has all utilities included in the rent. You or your landlord can sign a notarized letter of residence, which can serve as proof of legal residence.

Open a new document using the word processing program on your computer. Center the text and type the heading "Affidavit of Residence." Press "Return" twice to begin the next line. Select "Left Justified" by clicking "Format" on the tool bar, then click "Alignment."

Type "I," followed by your full name and then "hereby affirm that I reside at" and type the full street address, apartment number if applicable, city, state and ZIP code.

Type "I," followed by the landlord's full name if the landlord will be attesting to your residence. Type the landlord's full name with, "hereby affirm that (Your Name) resides at" followed by the full street address, apartment number if applicable, city, state and ZIP code.

Type a line long enough for a signature. Tab once and type a line for the date. Press "Enter" and then type the name of the person who will sign the affidavit of residence. Tab until your cursor is under the line for the date and type the word "Date."

Type the notary certificate at the bottom of the letter. Select "Bold" type and then type the header: "Notary Certificate." Type "State of (name of state)" and then type "County of (name of county)." Press "Enter" for a new line.

Complete the notary certificate by typing "I," and then a line for the name of the notary public. Continue the certification by typing "a Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby certify that" and then type a line for the name of the person who will sign the affidavit. Include as many lines as necessary for each person who will sign the affidavit.

Finish the notary certificate by typing "personally appeared before me and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing instrument. Witnessed my hand and seal this ___ day of _ 20." Type a signature line for the notary public. Include a line for the expiration date of the notary's commission by typing "My Commission Expires" followed by a short line for the date.

Tip

Check your local yellow pages to find a notary public.

Some notaries public charge a fee. Fees are regulated by state law.

Banks and lending institutions usually have a notary on staff who may help you in an urgent situation where an affidavit of residence is required immediately.

Warning

Do not sign an affidavit before you are in the presence of a notary. A notary public must personally witness your signature.

Do not attempt to forge a notary certificate or provide false information in an affidavit. An affidavit is a sworn document that you sign under penalty of perjury.

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