How to Complete an Affidavit for a Vehicle Purchase in South Africa

What Is a Vehicle Purchase Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath, confirming that the information you have provided is true and correct. When buying or selling a vehicle in South Africa, you may need an affidavit to:

• Confirm the purchase price for licensing and registration
• Declare the condition of sale (private sale vs dealer)
• Verify that the vehicle is free of encumbrances
• Support a change of ownership at the traffic department
• Replace missing documents (e.g., lost registration papers)

Getting this document right is essential — errors can delay your registration or even invalidate the sale.

When Do You Need an Affidavit for a Vehicle Purchase?

Common situations include:

1. Private sales — confirming the agreed purchase price
2. Inherited vehicles — declaring how you acquired the vehicle
3. Gifted vehicles — stating the transfer was a gift (R0 sale)
4. Missing documents — replacing a lost or damaged registration certificate
5. Price disputes — when the declared value seems too low or high for licensing purposes

What Information You Will Need

Before completing your affidavit, gather the following:

• Your details: Full name, ID number, residential address
• Seller details: Full name, ID number, contact information
• Vehicle details: Make, model, year, VIN number, registration number, engine number
• Purchase details: Date of sale, agreed price, payment method
• Supporting documents: Copy of ID, proof of residence, vehicle registration papers

Step-by-Step: Completing a Vehicle Purchase Affidavit

Step 1: Use a Proper Template

Do not write your affidavit from scratch — use a template that includes all the legally required elements. Affidavit Generator provides ready-made templates specifically for South African vehicle transactions.

Step 2: Fill in Your Personal Details

Enter your full legal name (as it appears on your ID), your South African ID number, and your current residential address.

Step 3: Add Vehicle Information

Include all identifying details about the vehicle:

• Registration number
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Engine number
• Make and model
• Year of manufacture
• Colour

Double-check these against the vehicle registration papers — any mismatch will cause problems at the traffic department.

Step 4: State the Terms of Sale

Clearly declare:

• The agreed purchase price in Rands
• The date the transaction took place
• Whether it was a cash sale, EFT, or financed purchase
• That the vehicle was sold voetstoots (as-is) if applicable

Step 5: Sign Before a Commissioner of Oaths

An affidavit is only valid once signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths. You can find one at:

• Any South African Police Station (free)
• Post offices
• Attorneys offices
• Some banks and municipal offices

Bring your original ID document — the Commissioner will verify your identity before signing.

Step 6: Make Copies

Keep at least two certified copies:

• One for your records
• One to submit with your vehicle registration documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an overseas template — SA has specific legal requirements
• Forgetting to sign in front of a Commissioner — unsigned affidavits are invalid
• Wrong vehicle details — always verify against the registration certificate
• Leaving fields blank — incomplete affidavits will be rejected
• Not keeping a copy — you may need it for disputes or future sales

Generate Your Affidavit in Minutes

Do not waste time with complicated paperwork. Affidavit Generator lets you create a legally compliant vehicle purchase affidavit in minutes — just fill in the details, download, print, and sign.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a vehicle affidavit cost?
Having it commissioned at a police station is free. Attorneys may charge a small fee.

Can I complete an affidavit online?
You can prepare and generate the document online, but you must still sign it physically before a Commissioner of Oaths.

What if I made a mistake on my affidavit?
Do not use correction fluid. Rather complete a new affidavit and have it re-commissioned.

Is an affidavit required for every vehicle sale?
Not always — but the traffic department may request one if there are questions about the sale price or ownership transfer.