Direct Answer: Can the Police Help With This Document?
Yes. The South African Police Service (SAPS) provides free document certification at any operational police station across South Africa. Designated officers at the station act as ex officio Commissioners of Oaths and will stamp and sign copies of your original documents to verify that they are true copies of the originals.
When applying for financial aid or bursaries—such as NSFAS, provincial government bursary schemes, or corporate education funds—you will almost always be required to submit certified documents for bursary applications. Walking into your local SAPS Community Service Centre (CSC) is one of the most reliable, fast, and cost-effective ways to complete this step before submitting your application.
What to Bring Before Visiting the Police Station
To avoid being turned away at the counter, you must come fully prepared. Officers cannot make photocopies for you, nor can they certify a document without physically inspecting the original item first.
Requirements & Documents to Prepare
- Original Identity Document: Your official South African Smart ID Card, green barcoded ID book, temporary ID certificate, or valid passport (for international or refugee applicants).
- Original Academic Records: Your Grade 11 final report, official Matric Certificate / Statement of Results, or tertiary academic record/transcript.
- Original Proof of Household Income: Recent pay slips of your parents or legal guardians, SASSA grant payout receipts, or official pension statements.
- Affidavit of Unemployment (if applicable): If your parent or guardian is unemployed and has no payslip, you will need a sworn statement declaring household income status.
- Clean Photocopies: Clear, legible black-and-white or color photocopies of every original document listed above.
Crucial Rule: Bring BOTH the original documents and your printed photocopies. Police officers are legally forbidden from stamping a copy unless they compare it side-by-side with the original document.
Step-by-Step Process at the Station
Certifying your copies for a bursary is straightforward, provided you follow the right sequence:
1.Make Your Photocopies First:At a print shop, school, or library.
Print clear, legible photocopies of all required documents (ID, school reports, pay slips). SAPS stations do not provide printing or photocopying services for the public.
2.Organize Originals and Copies:Before entering the station.
Pair each photocopied page directly behind its matching original document. This speeds up the verification process for both you and the officer on duty.
3.Report to the Community Service Centre (CSC):At the police station counter.
Head to the client service desk. Request assistance to certify documents at police station facilities for a bursary application.
4.Hand Over Your Documents for Inspection:At the counter.
Hand the officer both the original documents and the copies. The officer will inspect the originals, verify that the copies match identically, and apply the official SAPS Commissioner of Oaths rubber stamp.
5.Verify Stamps and Signatures:Before leaving.
Ensure every single page has a clear stamp, the officer’s signature, rank, force number, and the current date written clearly.
Costs, Availability and Commissioner of Oaths Notes
Costs
Document certification at a police station is 100% free of charge. Under the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act 16 of 1963, SAPS officers acting in their official capacity cannot charge you any fee for certifying copies. If anyone at or near a station requests payment to stamp your documents, report it immediately.
Station Availability & Planning Ahead
- Hours: Community Service Centres operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Recommended Visiting Times: While open 24/7, administrative queues are generally shortest on weekday mornings between 08:30 and 11:30. Peak bursary application windows (January–February and September–November) often lead to longer lines.
- Call Ahead: Station operations can fluctuate during local emergency responses or power cuts. It is recommended to contact your nearest police station beforehand to verify service availability.
Alternative Commissioners of Oaths
If your local police station has long queues or is temporarily handling urgent operational matters, you can also get a certified copy for bursary requirements completed for free at:
- Post Office branches (SAPO)
- Bank branches (ask to see the branch manager or designated Commissioner of Oaths)
- High school principals or university registrars
- Practicing attorneys or advocates
- Department of Justice regional offices and Magistrates’ Courts
Related Affidavit or Certification Pages
Bursary applications often require additional documentation depending on your household circumstances or academic background:
- Employment & Job Preparation: If you are preparing documents for graduate work programs, review our guide on certified documents for job application.
- Police Clearance Services: For specialized international exchange bursaries or medical degree programs, you may need a certified copy for police clearance certificate or guidance on applying via Police Clearance Certificate South Africa.
- Urgent Station Guidance: For general station visits, safety tips, or emergency assistance, consult How to Report a Crime in South Africa or reference Emergency Numbers South Africa.
FAQs Before You Go
Can I get help with certified documents for bursary application at a police station?
Yes. SAPS officers at the client service counter act as Commissioners of Oaths and regularly stamp certified documents for bursary applications, tertiary admissions, and government schemes like NSFAS.
What documents must I bring?
You must bring the original documents (Smart ID/Passport, academic results, proof of household income) alongside clear, printed photocopies of each item. Officers cannot stamp a copy without inspecting the original.
Is police station certification free?
Yes, document certification at any SAPS station is completely free. You can verify official administrative guidelines directly via the SAPS Official Portal.
Do I need an appointment?
No, appointments are not required. Certification operates on a walk-in basis at the Community Service Centre counter.
How long are certified documents valid for a bursary application?
Most South African bursary providers require certified copies to be no older than 3 months (or up to 6 months for certain provincial programs) at the time of submission. Always check the specific deadline rules of your bursary scheme before submitting.