What Is a Sweepstakes Affidavit, and Why Do Winners Sign One?

A sweepstakes affidavit is a claim document that a selected entrant signs to verify eligibility before becoming an official winner. Winners sign it so the sponsor can confirm required facts and document any applicable liability or publicity terms. The paperwork is often called an "Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release." It is not required for every prize, but failing to return a required affidavit can cost a potential winner the prize.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on September 09, 2026.

What does the affidavit verify?

An affidavit commonly asks a potential winner to confirm identity, age, residence, and compliance with the official rules. The Federal Trade Commission's contest rules make prize awards subject to verification of identity and eligibility. This step lets the sponsor check whether the selected entrant met the stated conditions.

Until verification is complete, the person is usually a potential winner rather than a confirmed winner. Before signing, compare every statement with the promotion's rules. A wrong address, ineligible location, age mismatch, or other inaccurate declaration could prevent verification.

What are the liability and publicity releases?

The affidavit may contain a liability release. This provision asks the entrant to release or hold harmless the sponsor and related parties from specified claims connected with entering or using the prize. It may also include a publicity release.

For example, Walmart's 2026 Q3 sweepstakes rules permit certain promotional uses of a winner's name, likeness, voice, and biographical information where the law allows. Read these provisions instead of treating the document as a simple identity form. They describe what rights the sponsor requests and which claims the release covers.

Does every winner have to sign one?

No. Paperwork requirements can depend on the promotion and prize level. Walmart's current rules require claim documents from its potential grand-prize winner but describe first-prize shipment without the same stated affidavit requirement.

The official rules should explain whether an affidavit is required, what must accompany it, and when it is due. A sponsor may select another potential winner if the required paperwork arrives late or the original entrant is ineligible. This distinction matters when reading a prize notice.

Being selected does not necessarily mean the prize has been awarded; verification may still stand between selection and confirmation.

Why might a Form W-9 be included?

A sponsor may request Form W-9 with the affidavit because a prize can create tax-reporting obligations. The IRS instructs payers to report non-wager sweepstakes winnings as other income on Form 1099-MISC. A tax form is different from a demand that the winner pay money.

Review where the request came from, match it to the sponsor and promotion named in the official rules, and use the sponsor's published contact information if anything appears inconsistent.

How should you handle an affidavit request?

Start with the official rules and the deadline stated in the notice. Then work through a few practical checks: Do not pay to obtain or release a sweepstakes prize. The FTC says real sweepstakes are free and identifies demands for taxes, processing, shipping, or other claim fees as warning signs in its prize and sweepstakes guidance.

If a notice asks for payment, stop before sending money or additional information. Verify the promotion independently using the sponsor details in the official rules.

• Confirm that you entered the named promotion.
• Verify the sender through contact details published by the sponsor.
• Compare the requested information with the eligibility requirements.
• Read the liability and publicity language before signing.
• Keep a copy of the completed documents and submission confirmation.