• an officer authorized to administer oaths in a proceeding before a federal court or by state law in the state where the oath is taken; or
• a United States diplomatic or consular officer in a foreign country.
(b)Affirmation as an Alternative.
If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices.
When someone needs to swear an oath in a bankruptcy case, only certain people are allowed to give that oath. These include the bankruptcy judge, the court clerk or deputy clerk, a U.S. trustee, or other officials who are legally allowed to give oaths under federal or state law. If you are in another country, a U.S. diplomatic or consular officer can also give the oath.
If a person does not want to swear an oath for religious or personal reasons, they can make a solemn affirmation instead. An affirmation carries the same legal weight as an oath.
Summary generated March 09, 2026
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from Rule 43(d) F.R.Civ.P.
The provisions of former Bankruptcy Rule 912(a) relating to who may administer oaths have been deleted as unnecessary. Bankruptcy judges and the clerks and deputy clerks of bankruptcy courts are authorized by statute to administer oaths and affirmations and to take acknowledgments. 28 U.S.C. §§ 459, 953. A person designated to preside at the meeting of creditors has authority under Rule 2003(b)(1) to administer the oath. Administration of the oath at a deposition is governed by Rule 7028.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 Amendment
Subdivision (a) has been added to the rule to authorize bankruptcy judges and clerks to administer oaths.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
This rule is amended to conform to the 1986 amendment to § 343 which provides that the United States trustee may administer the oath to the debtor at the § 341 meeting. This rule also allows the United States trustee to administer oaths and affirmations and to take acknowledgments in other situations. This amendment also affects Rule 9010(c) relating to the acknowledgment of a power of attorney. The words “United States trustee” include a designee of the United States trustee pursuant to Rule 9001 and § 102(9) of the Code.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 9012 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
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