Affidavit of Death
Formally notify banks, insurers, pension funds, and other institutions under oath that a person has died, so accounts can be closed, policies paid out, and benefits claimed. It is almost always presented together with a certified copy of the death certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
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Download Blank TemplateAffidavit of Death Affidavit — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a death certificate in South Africa?
Death certificates are issued by the Department of Home Affairs after the death has been registered, which is usually handled by the funeral undertaker or a family member at a Home Affairs office. Banks, insurers, and the Master of the High Court generally require the death certificate together with a sworn affidavit connecting the deceased to the specific account, policy, or estate matter in question.
Why does the bank need an affidavit when someone dies?
The bank must be satisfied that the account holder has died and that the person notifying it has a legitimate interest before it will freeze or release funds. A sworn affidavit of death, commissioned free of charge at any SAPS police station or before another Commissioner of Oaths, together with a certified copy of the death certificate, gives the bank sworn confirmation of the death and your relationship to the deceased.
How do I make a affidavit of death affidavit legally valid in South Africa?
Fill in the affidavit of death affidavit, print it, and sign it in front of a Commissioner of Oaths — do not sign beforehand. Bring your ID document. Commissioning is free at any SAPS police station, and Commissioners of Oaths are also available at banks, post offices, and attorneys' offices.
Is this affidavit of death affidavit template free?
Yes. You can generate a completed affidavit of death affidavit PDF or download a blank printable template completely free, with no sign-up required. Your information is used only to generate the document and is not stored after the PDF is created.