In South Africa, a wide range of documents can serve as a legitimate proof of address, provided they display your name and physical address. To be acknowledged as a valid proof of address, the documents should have the following attributes:
- Your full name, identical to what’s on your South African I.D.
- Your current residential address. For township residents, the document should also state your township name and ERF number. A document with merely your postal address will be disapproved.
- Monthly issued documents should be within the last three months.
- Documents that are issued yearly should not exceed one year.
The document must be provided by an entity other than the one requiring the proof. For instance, if ABSA requires a proof of address, an ABSA bank statement will not suffice. You need a document from a different company.
Some of the common documents include:
Bank Statement
Bank statements are frequently used due to their accessibility and inclusion of your full name and address. Ensure you use a recent one, preferably less than 3 months old. To obtain your bank statement:
- Use your bank’s online portal.
- Use an ATM for some banks such as FNB.
- Contact your bank through phone or email.
- Visit your local bank branch.
Utility Bill
Utility bills, ranging from water and lights bill to property management agent statements, are also often used. Ensure the bill is no older than 3 months. To acquire your utility bill:
- Register or log in to your eThekwini eServices account.
- Reach out to eThekwini Municipality at 031-324-5000 during their office hours.
- Active Rental or Lease Agreement
- If you’re renting a home or office, your active rental or lease agreement can serve as proof. It shouldn’t be older than 1 year. Speak to the homeowner for an updated agreement if necessary.
Telephone Account or Fixed-Line Provider Statement
Your bill or contract from Telkom or other fixed-line providers is also valid, provided it’s not older than 3 months. Contact the company directly, visit their store, check your mail, or your online customer portal to get your bill.
Cellphone Contract
Your recent and active cellphone contract, typically renewed every 12 or 24 months, is also acceptable. Visit the cellphone store or contact them directly to get a copy.
Subscription TV Statement
Statements from service providers like MultiChoice are acceptable, as long as they’re not older than 3 months. Visit a MultiChoice store to get a printout of your statement.
Medical Aid Policy
Your active medical aid policy is also valid, irrespective of its age. Contact your signing agent or the company, or check your online profile for the policy.
Store Account or Invoice
A recent invoice (not older than 3 months) from your store accounts, like Edgars or Woolworth, is also acceptable. Visit the respective store to get a printout.
Most Recent Payslip
Your latest payslip, including your physical address, full name, employer’s name, and employee number, is also valid. Contact your employer or management to get a copy.
Traffic Fine
Traffic fines from the Metro Police Department (not E-toll statements) can also serve as proof. Visit your local Metro Police Department to get a copy if needed.
Vehicle Registration Documents
The documents of a vehicle registered in your name are also valid. Visit your mySA GOV account or a nearby service station to get a replacement if required.
Official Tax Return
Your recent tax return, less than 1 year old, can also be used. Log in to your eFiling account or visit a local SARS branch to get a copy.
Affidavit That Confirms Your Address
An affidavit is useful when you live with someone else without a rental or lease agreement. To create one, download and print the template from this link, fill it out with the property owner or co-resident, and have it certified at a police station or bank.
Valid SABC T.V Licence
A valid SABC T.V licence can be used as well. Ensure it is current and not older than a year. To get a copy, sign in or register with the SABC online platform and download it using your T.V licence number.
Home Loan Statement From an Approved Lender
If you have a mortgage on your home, your statement can also serve as proof of address. Be sure that it’s no older than 3 months. Contact your lender for a copy.
Life Insurance Policy
Your life insurance policy, provided it’s active, can be used. Contact your insurer or check your online account to access it.
Municipal Rates and Taxes Invoice
Your municipal rates and taxes invoice that’s not older than 3 months can also be used. If you don’t have one, contact your local municipality.
Post-Paid Cellular Account
A post-paid cellular account statement that’s less than 3 months old can also serve as proof. Contact your cellular provider for a copy.
Pension Fund Statement
Your pension fund statement can serve as proof of address. Contact your pension fund for the statement.
Income Tax Assessment
Your income tax assessment, provided it’s not older than a year, can also be used. Contact SARS to get a copy.
Personal Investment Reports
Your personal investment reports, provided they’re less than 3 months old, can be used. Contact your investment company to get a copy.
School or Tertiary Institution Tuition Account
A tuition account statement from your school or tertiary institution that’s less than 3 months old can be used. Contact the institution for a copy.
Signed Lease Agreement
A signed lease agreement that’s not older than a year can be used. Contact your property owner for a copy.
