Commissioner Of Oaths Checklist

When It Applies

Not For

• Apostille, notarial authentication, foreign-use documents, or documents that require a notary, High Court, DIRCO, or embassy step.
• Signing false statements or documents you do not understand.

Documents

• Original ID or passport
• Unsigned affidavit or declaration
• Original documents for certification
• Copies
• Receiving-institution instructions
• Authority documents
• Translations if required

Timeline

• Before appointment: confirm whether commissioning, certification, or notarisation is needed.
• At appointment: sign only when instructed and check stamp details.
• Afterwards: scan the final document and confirm acceptance.
• If rejected: ask what wording or authority was missing.

Tips

• Do not sign affidavits before the appointment.
• Bring originals for certified copies.
• Use a notary or authentication route for foreign-use documents where required.
• Never commission a statement you know is false.

Warning Signs

• The document is for overseas use.
• You are signing for a company, trust, estate, or child.
• Names or ID numbers do not match.
• The receiving institution requires a notary, apostille, or embassy legalisation instead.