Name Change Affidavit
Declare under oath the details of a change of surname or names following marriage, divorce, or a Department of Home Affairs application, so you can update records with banks, SARS, insurers, and other institutions. Documents both your former and current legal names in one sworn statement.
Prefer to fill in by hand?
Download a blank PDF template to print and complete manually.
Download Blank TemplateName Change Affidavit Affidavit — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my surname after marriage or divorce in South Africa?
A woman may assume her husband's surname on marriage, revert to a former surname after divorce, or apply to change her surname — all through the Department of Home Affairs under the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992. Home Affairs updates the National Population Register, after which you apply for a new ID document reflecting the surname.
Can I change my name with just an affidavit in South Africa?
No. An affidavit alone does not change your name — the change must be recorded by the Department of Home Affairs, typically supported by a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or an approved application. A name change affidavit documents the change under oath so you can update your records with banks, SARS, and other institutions while your documents are amended.
How do I make a name change affidavit affidavit legally valid in South Africa?
Fill in the name change affidavit 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 name change affidavit affidavit template free?
Yes. You can generate a completed name change affidavit 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.