Affidavit of Loss (General)
Swear under oath that a document or item of any kind — a share certificate, diploma, title deed copy, contract, receipt, or access card — has been lost and cannot be found despite a diligent search. Issuers, employers, insurers, and institutions across South Africa commonly require this all-purpose affidavit, commissioned before a Commissioner of Oaths, before issuing a duplicate or replacement.
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Download Blank TemplateAffidavit of Loss (General) Affidavit — Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get an affidavit of loss commissioned in South Africa?
Any Commissioner of Oaths can commission it — commissioning is free of charge at any SAPS police station, and practising attorneys, many bank officials, and post office staff are also Commissioners of Oaths under the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act 16 of 1963. Take the completed affidavit and your ID, sign it in the Commissioner's presence, and keep certified copies for each institution that needs one.
What must an affidavit of loss say for a replacement document to be issued?
It should identify you by your full names and ID number, describe the lost item and any reference or certificate number, state when and how it was lost and where you searched, and confirm that you have not sold or transferred it and will return it if found. Issuers rely on this sworn undertaking before releasing a duplicate, and for valuable items such as share certificates they may additionally require an indemnity before replacing the original.
How do I make a affidavit of loss (general) affidavit legally valid in South Africa?
Fill in the affidavit of loss (general) 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 loss (general) affidavit template free?
Yes. You can generate a completed affidavit of loss (general) 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.