Direct Answer: Can the Police Help With This Document
Yes, the South African Police Service (SAPS) can help you with this document. Any SAPS police officer who is a designated Commissioner of Oaths can administer an oath and commission an affidavit for a lost, stolen, or damaged South African passport.
When your passport goes missing, obtaining a police affidavit is a mandatory step before you can apply for a replacement passport through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The police will document your sworn statement detailing how the passport was lost or stolen and issue an official stamp and statement reference.
Important Note: While SAPS officers administer the affidavit and record reported thefts, SAPS does not issue replacement passports. Once your affidavit is completed, your next step is to submit your application directly to the Department of Home Affairs or an official SA embassy/consulate if you are currently abroad.
What to Bring Before Visiting the Police Station
Requirements
To ensure a smooth visit to the station, gather your key identification and loss details beforehand. Having accurate information speeds up the drafting process at the desk.
Documents or Details to Prepare
Before heading out, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Original South African Identity Document: Your valid Smart ID Card, green barcoded ID book, or a temporary ID certificate issued by Home Affairs.
- Passport Details: Your lost passport number, date of issue, and expiry date (if you have them written down or saved in digital files).
- Copy of the Lost Passport: A printed photo/photocopy or digital scan of the lost passport’s bio-page, if available.
- Full Incident Details: Clear details regarding when, where, and how the passport was lost or stolen.
- Proof of Residential Address: Optional, but useful if additional administrative records need verification.
- Pre-drafted Affidavit or Blank Paper: Most SAPS stations provide standard blank affidavit templates on-site, but writing down your statement in advance can save time.
Step-by-Step Process at the Station
1.Find your nearest station:Verify desk hours where possible.
Locate your local SAPS station’s Community Service Centre (CSC). While main desks operate around the clock, calling ahead to confirm desk availability can prevent long waiting times.
2.Present identification and request an affidavit:Inform the officer on duty.
Approach the officer at the Community Service Centre counter. Explain that you need a sworn affidavit for a lost or stolen South African passport to present to the Department of Home Affairs.
3.Complete the affidavit statement:Detail the loss clearly.
Fill out the provided SAPS affidavit form or write out your statement clearly. State your full name, ID number, residential address, lost passport number (if known), and a precise explanation of how and when the passport went missing.
4.Swear the oath and sign in presence of the officer:Do NOT sign in advance.
Wait until you are directly in front of the Commissioner of Oaths before signing. The officer will ask you to confirm that the contents of your declaration are true and correct, swear the oath (or make an affirmation), and witness your signature.
5.Receive your commissioned document:Check for official stamps.
The Commissioner of Oaths will sign, date, and apply the official SAPS stamp to your affidavit. If the passport was stolen, ask the officer for a crime police case reference number as well.
Costs, Availability and Commissioner of Oaths Notes
Costs
Commissioning an affidavit at a SAPS station is 100% free of charge. SAPS officers perform this duties as part of their ex-officio Commissioner of Oaths responsibilities. You should never be asked to pay any fee for an affidavit or document certification at a police station.
Availability
While police station Community Service Centres are generally open 24/7, administrative availability can vary depending on operational demands, urgent call-outs, or shift changes. It is advisable to visit during standard daytime hours or check station contact details in advance.
Official Source to Verify
For general SAPS service guidelines, station listings, or policy updates, you can consult the official SAPS Contact and Information Page. Always verify station-specific details with local directories when planning your trip.
Related Affidavit or Certification Pages
If you are replacing lost documents, updating your status, or preparing international travel paperwork, you may need additional certification services:
- affidavit at police station: Learn more about general rules, swearing oaths, and formatting written statements.
- certify documents at police station: Steps for getting copies of your ID, birth certificates, or supporting records officially certified.
- affidavit for lost ID South Africa: Guidance if your South African Identity Document was lost alongside your passport.
- nearest police station: Use station finder tools and contact details to locate an operating station near you.
- parental consent affidavit South Africa: Essential documentation required if minor children are traveling internationally with one parent or a guardian.
- How to Report a Crime in South Africa: What to do if your passport was stolen during a house robbery, mugging, or burglary.
- Emergency Numbers South Africa: Direct contacts for police, rescue, and emergency assistance across SA.
- Police Clearance Certificate South Africa: Requirements and application steps if you need background clearance for foreign visas or work permits.
FAQs Before You Go
Can I get help with affidavit for lost passport south africa at a police station?
Yes. Every active SAPS police station has officers designated as Commissioners of Oaths who can help you complete and commission an affidavit for a lost passport free of charge.
What documents must I bring?
You must bring an original identity document (Smart ID card, green barcoded ID, or temporary ID). It is also helpful to bring a written record of your lost passport number, details of how it was lost, and a pre-printed affidavit form if you have one.
Is police station certification free?
Yes. Both the commissioning of affidavits and the certification of document copies (such as ID photocopies) are provided free of charge at all SAPS stations.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is needed. You can walk into the Community Service Centre of any SAPS station during operational hours. However, calling your local station beforehand to confirm desk availability is recommended to avoid delays.
What should I do right after getting the affidavit?
Keep the original stamped affidavit in a safe place and make a few certified copies of it. Take the original affidavit to your nearest Department of Home Affairs branch (or book an appointment online via BABS) to submit your application for a replacement South African passport.