How to apply for an affidavit of Age Declaration in court

An affidavit of age declaration is one of the most commonly requested legal documents in Nigeria, particularly for individuals who do not have an official birth certificate.

Many Nigerians first encounter the document during school admissions, passport applications, visa processing, employment documentation, or marriage registration. In such cases, the affidavit serves as a legal declaration confirming a person’s date of birth.

Despite its widespread use, many people are still unclear about the correct procedure for obtaining one or whether it must be issued through a court. For an age declaration affidavit to be valid, it must be sworn before an authorised court official or a Commissioner for Oaths.

Under Nigerian law, an affidavit is a written statement made under oath before an authorised officer, usually a Commissioner for Oaths at a court registry. 

The legal framework for this is provided by the Oaths Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which empowers Commissioners for Oaths to administer affidavits and statutory declarations.

Who can apply for It?

Any Nigerian who needs official proof of age can apply. For adults, the application is usually made personally. And for minors, a parent or legal guardian may swear the affidavit on the child’s behalf, especially for school or travel documentation.

In practice, many courts also allow close family members with supporting knowledge of the person’s birth details to make the declaration where necessary.

Where to get it done

A sworn age declaration is usually processed at a high court, Magistrate Court, or other court registry authorised to administer oaths.

Most applicants visit the court registry, not the courtroom itself. And, at the registry, a court clerk or commissioner for oaths handles the process.

Although some states also offer limited digital guidance through judicial websites, physical attendance is still common.

Documents you may need

Requirements are different depending on the state, but most courts require: a valid means of identification, passport photographs, and basic personal details such as your full name, address, and declared date of birth.

Some courts may also request supporting evidence, especially if the affidavit is for official immigration, academic use, or linked to a correction or replacement process.

Important things to know before applying 

Applicants are advised not to provide false information, as an affidavit is a legal document made under oath.

In addition, the name and date of birth stated in the affidavit should correspond with other official records whenever possible to avoid complications during verification.

Obtaining a sworn affidavit of age declaration through a court remains one of the simpler legal processes in Nigeria. Where all required documents are available and the information provided is accurate, the process can often be completed on the same day.

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Step-by-Step guide on how to apply

Visit a court registry

The first step is to visit a court registry and request an affidavit of age declaration form. While some courts now operate digital systems, many still process affidavits manually.

The Federal High Court of Nigeria introduced an e-affidavit process in 2024, although physical filing remains the more common option in many locations.

Fill in your details carefully

Applicants are required to provide their full name, correct date of birth, residential address, and the reason for requesting the affidavit.

It is important to review all information carefully before submission, as spelling mistakes or incorrect details may cause complications later.

Pay the official fee

Official charges vary depending on the court and the state where the application is made. In most court registries, applicants are required to pay a modest administrative fee.

Applicants are also advised to avoid dealing with unofficial agents around court premises who may promise quicker processing.

Swear before the Commissioner for Oaths

This is the most critical stage of the process. Under Nigerian law, the affidavit must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths, who then stamps and validates the document.

Without the official stamp and validation, the affidavit may not be accepted as a legal document.

Collect your certified copy

Once the affidavit has been stamped and endorsed, it becomes an official legal document. Applicants may also request additional certified copies for future use if necessary.