An image forming apparatus including a latent image bearing member, a charger, an irradiator, a developing member, a transfer device, and a surface potential equalizer. The transfer device includes an intermediate transfer member comprising a high-resistivity body having a surface resistivity of 1013Ω/□ or more under dark conditions, a primary transfer member that transfers the toner image from the latent image bearing member onto the intermediate transfer member at a primary transfer nip, and a secondary transfer member that transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto a recording medium at a secondary transfer nip. The surface potential equalizer includes a surface potential equalizing member that equalizes a surface potential of the intermediate transfer member at a predetermined positive or negative potential. The surface potential equalizer is provided on a migration path of the intermediate transfer member from the secondary transfer nip to the primary transfer nip.