Resources > Glossary > Signature Affidavit

Glossary of Notary Public, Mortgage, Signing Agent, and Loan Signing Terms.

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Common Terms 1   Common Terms 2

Signature Affidavit

Function: noun

Often times, the names on the documents do not correspond to the name on a signer's identification, or to how their name is written on title. The signature affidavit allows the borrower to sign any of their name variations, and the loan will still be able to go through. However, if the name variation is substantially different from what is on their identification document -- i.e. a drivers license or passport, then the notary might not be able to notarize their signatures.

Even with the use of a signature affidavit, many lenders will not accept any different name variations than what is on the Title Deed. Many lenders want to resell their loans within months of the origination of the loan. If there are anymistakes, typos, or name variation issues, many companies who purchase loans and hold them, will not be willing to purchase those loans. This is why lenders are sometimes very picky about name variations on loans.

Definition 1:
The signature affidavit is a document where a borrower can state all of their name variations. This can be very helpful should the borrower sign the other documents with a variation their signature, such as adding or subtracting a middle initial, or signing with a maiden name. The signature affidavit is a notarized document that sometimes requires a sworn oath.