Character Reference Affidavit
Give sworn testimony to another person's good character, honesty, and reputation for use in court sentencing or bail proceedings, immigration and visa applications, or employment. Magistrates, judges, immigration officials, and employers give more weight to a sworn affidavit than to an ordinary reference letter because it is made under oath before a Commissioner of Oaths.
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Download Blank TemplateCharacter Reference Affidavit Affidavit — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a character reference for court sentencing or bail in South Africa?
State who you are, how you know the person, and how long you have known them, then describe their character traits — honesty, work ethic, family responsibilities, community involvement — with specific examples. Be truthful and balanced; magistrates and judges discount statements that read as exaggerated, and everything you write is sworn under oath, so a false statement is a criminal offence.
Does a character reference need to be signed at a police station?
An ordinary reference letter does not, but a character reference affidavit must be signed before a Commissioner of Oaths to carry the weight of sworn evidence. Commissioning is free at any SAPS police station, and attorneys, bank officials, and post office staff are also Commissioners of Oaths. Courts and the Department of Home Affairs generally expect character evidence in affidavit form.
How do I make a character reference affidavit affidavit legally valid in South Africa?
Fill in the character reference 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 character reference affidavit affidavit template free?
Yes. You can generate a completed character reference 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.