Affidavit of Identity / Name Discrepancy
Your deed says one name, your ID says another, and the closing is Thursday. This is the statement that connects them.
Important: Clear Path Document Services is a non-attorney document preparation service and cannot provide legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created. Read full disclaimer
Quick Answer
An affidavit of identity — often called a one-and-the-same-person affidavit — is a sworn statement that two or more differently written names refer to the same individual. Title companies, banks, the Secretary of State, insurers, and probate matters commonly require one when a middle initial appears on one record and not another, when a maiden name is on an old deed, or when a document contains a misspelling. The affidavit lists each name variation, states that they all identify the affiant, and explains why the variation exists. It resolves a naming mismatch; it does not change your legal name — that requires a Michigan name change petition through the circuit court. Clear Path prepares and notarizes the affidavit. We review the matter first, then send a written quote — nothing is purchased online.
Who qualifies for this service?
This document preparation service is a fit for Michigan residents who match the criteria below. If your situation is different, contact us and we'll tell you whether we can help or whether you should speak with an attorney.
- Sellers whose deed name differs from their photo ID
- People with a maiden name on older property or account records
- Anyone with a misspelling in a recorded document
- Records showing a middle initial in one place and a full middle name in another
- Suffix problems — Jr., Sr., II — appearing inconsistently
- Heirs whose relative's name is written differently across estate documents
- Vehicle title transfers where the name on the title does not match the ID
How the process works
Clear, predictable steps from intake to court-ready paperwork.
Send us the mismatch
Copies of the documents showing each version of the name and what transaction is pending.
We review
We check whether an affidavit resolves it or whether the record itself needs correction.
Written quote
Flat preparation fee including notarization. Nothing is purchased online.
Drafting
We list every variation and explain the reason for each in clear terms.
Notarized signing
Appear with valid photo ID and swear to the statement.
Delivery
Signed originals, plus recording instructions if the title company wants it recorded.
Paperwork we organize for you
Document preparation only. We do not represent you in court.
Documents and information you'll need
- Valid, unexpired government photo ID
- Copies of the documents showing each version of the name
- Marriage certificate or divorce judgment, if a name change is the reason
- Property legal description or parcel number, for real estate matters
- VIN and title details, for vehicle matters
- The title company or lender's written requirement, if you have it
Common mistakes to avoid
Small errors can cost you weeks. Here's what we see most often.
- Thinking it changes your name legally. It does not — that is a circuit court name change.
- Listing only one variation when the file contains three.
- Not explaining why the difference exists, which is what the examiner is looking for.
- Bringing ID that does not match any of the names in question.
- Preparing it before the title company confirms what wording they need.
- Using an identity affidavit to paper over an actual error that should be corrected at the source.
Local Michigan considerations
Michigan title companies and the Secretary of State frequently require a name-variation affidavit before completing a transfer, and when it relates to real property the affidavit is often recorded with the county register of deeds along with the deed. A legal name change in Michigan is a separate matter handled by petition in circuit court, and an identity affidavit is not a substitute for it. If the underlying record contains an actual error rather than a variation, the correct fix may be a corrective deed or an amended record rather than an affidavit — we will tell you which one your situation calls for.
Key Terms
- One and the same person affidavit
- A sworn statement that different written forms of a name all refer to the same individual.
- Name variation
- A difference in how a person's name appears across records, such as an initial, a maiden name, or a misspelling.
- Corrective deed
- A recorded deed used to fix an error in a previously recorded deed.
- Legal name change
- A court-ordered change of name, handled in Michigan by petition in circuit court.
People Also Ask
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Ready to get your paperwork started?
Start the guided intake, or call or text us — we review every matter before quoting a price, and nothing is purchased online.