Affidavit of name change
Banking & identity
For a South African adult surname-change application handled through Ottawa, prepare the affidavit and statutory-declaration copy named in that route’s guidance. For an application handled through the UK mission, gather the signed reason statement, surname-use evidence, and surname-holder consent documents. Match each document to the consular route you are using.
Prepare your affidavit
Do not sign before the commissioner of oaths. Review your statement and sign in their presence. This PDF is not signed or certified.
Official downloads
How to use it
- Identify the consular route Start with the guidance for the mission handling your application. The Ottawa list covers an adult assuming another surname. The UK mission list covers an adult surname-change application. The documents differ, so use the matching list rather than treating the two lists as one set of requirements.
- Check what each UK document addresses The UK guidance asks for a statement about why you want the change and evidence that the surname you want registered is in use. Check that your papers address both requests. The guidance says the surname-use evidence may take the form of a statutory declaration.
- Check the surname-holder papers For the UK route, review the consent item before you finish gathering documents. It calls for signed consent from the surname holder, together with certified copies of that person’s passport and ID document. The consent item applies to the UK route described here.
- Review the adult publication requirement For the UK route, the change of a surname of an adult must be gazetted in South Africa. Keep this requirement in mind as you review the adult surname-change guidance.
Document checklist
- Ottawa guidance: reason for the change Prepare an affidavit motivating the necessity of the surname change.
- Ottawa guidance: statutory declaration Include a certified copy of Statutory Declaration.
- UK mission guidance: reason statement Signed statement confirming why you wish to change your surname.
- UK mission guidance: surname use Include evidence of usage of the surname to be registered. One possible form is a statutory declaration.
- UK mission guidance: surname-holder consent Include signed consent from surname holder with a certified copy of his/her passport and ID document.
Questions & answers
What should the Ottawa affidavit explain?
For an adult assuming another surname, the Ottawa guidance asks for an affidavit motivating the necessity of the surname change. The document list also names a certified copy of a statutory declaration. Check the Ottawa guidance for the route you are using.
Can a statutory declaration show that I use a surname?
For the UK route, surname-use evidence may take the form of a statutory declaration. It is one possible form of the evidence requested for that route.
Must foreign documents be translated?
For the UK adult surname-change route, all foreign documents must be officially translated into English language. Apply this instruction to that route’s document list.
What processing time does the UK guidance give?
For the UK adult route, the average processing time is 36 months. An average is not a guaranteed completion date.
When can I contact the office after lodging?
For a successfully lodged application under the UK guidance, do not contact the office until the turnaround time of 36 months have passed.
Related documents
More help
Sources
Assuming another surname 18 and above - South African High Commissioner in Ottawa, Canada
Amendment of personal particulars - South African High Commission in the United Kingdom
CHANGE OF SURNAME OF AN ADULT - South African High Commission in the United Kingdom
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