Affidavit for Lost Logbook When Selling a Car in South Africa

Overview: Why an affidavit matters when selling a car with a lost logbook

Losing your vehicle registration certificate (commonly called the logbook) complicates a sale but does not make it impossible. An affidavit for lost logbook when selling car is a sworn statement you prepare to confirm the logbook is lost, damaged or stolen. Buyers, licensing authorities and third parties rely on this document to reduce the risk of fraud and to allow transfer or replacement of registration documents.

When an affidavit is needed

If the physical logbook cannot be produced at sale or during transfer at the licensing department, most local registering authorities will expect an affidavit from the seller. The affidavit is often accompanied by proof of identity and a declaration that the logbook has not been pledged as security, especially for vehicles not declared stolen.

Quick steps sellers typically follow

1. Report the loss to the police or obtain a commissioner-of-oath affidavit (requirements vary by office).
2. Complete the affidavit describing how the logbook was lost, include vehicle details and ID, and sign in front of a commissioner of oaths.
3. Provide the affidavit when transferring ownership or when applying for a replacement registration certificate at the licensing office.

When to sell versus replace the logbook and repair the vehicle

Deciding whether to replace a lost logbook and repair a vehicle before selling depends on cost, time and the likely resale value. If repairs and administrative steps exceed expected returns, selling as-is may be simpler. Services that buy vehicles in any condition can handle paperwork and collection so you avoid repeated trips to licensing offices.

If you plan to replace the logbook yourself, expect to prepare ID, the affidavit and any additional paperwork requested by your licensing office. If you prefer to sell quickly, some buyers will accept an affidavit and handle the replacement or transfer with the licensing authority for you. Learn more about our paperwork handling approach on our About / How it works page.

How to prepare a valid affidavit for a lost logbook

A basic affidavit should include the seller's full names, ID number, vehicle make/model/registration number/chassis number, a clear statement that the logbook is lost, the circumstances of the loss (to the best of your knowledge), and a declaration that the logbook has not been intentionally misused. Sign the affidavit before an authorised commissioner of oaths or at a police station if the licensing authority requires a police case number.

Keep copies of the affidavit and any receipt or police case number. If the vehicle is under finance, inform the financier immediately - finance accounts often require the seller to obtain written clearance before transfer. If you need step-by-step help selling a non-running or damaged vehicle without a logbook, see our Sell Non-Running Car guidance for paperwork and valuation tips.

Legal & paperwork steps in South Africa

In South Africa, the transfer of ownership is finalised at a registering authority or licensing office. When a logbook is missing, the affidavit becomes part of the transfer bundle. Typical paperwork a registering authority may require includes the seller's ID, a completed application form for transfer, an affidavit for the lost logbook, proof of roadworthy certificate where applicable, and clearance from any finance house.

Vehicles under finance

If the vehicle is financed, the financier has a legal interest in the vehicle. You must obtain consent from the finance company before transferring or selling. Provide the affidavit to the financier and discuss options - many financiers will issue a settlement figure or provide instructions for transfer once outstanding debt is settled or arrangements are made.

Tips to maximise your offer (practical, South Africa-focused)

• Be transparent: disclose the lost logbook and present the affidavit early to build buyer trust.
• Prepare clear photos of the vehicle ID (VIN/chassis), number plates and odometer to help valuations.
• If repairs are modest relative to value, fixing them before sale can improve offers; otherwise consider selling as-is to a specialist buyer who handles paperwork and towing nationwide.

What happens after collection

When you sell to a buyer who offers to handle paperwork and collection, typical steps are: the buyer reviews your affidavit and ID, arranges a transfer or replacement registration at the licensing office, collects the vehicle by arrangement (many buyers offer free towing nationwide), and finalises payment once documentation is verified. If the buyer needs to apply for a replacement logbook, that application may take several days to weeks depending on the local office workload.

If you want more detail on how our service handles paperwork, free towing and national collections from cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, see our Sell Damaged Cars overview and our homepage for nationwide coverage.

Example timeline (illustrative, South Africa)

Day 1: Prepare affidavit and digital images of vehicle ID. Day 1-3: Provide documents to prospective buyer or visit licensing office to confirm replacement process. Day 3-14: Buyer or seller completes transfer or replacement application; collection is scheduled. Times vary by province and office workload. Any fees shown by the licensing authority are payable in South African rand (R) and will vary by province.

Sources

• Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - official information for vehicle registration and transfer
• South African Government - transport and vehicle registration services
• South African Police Service - reporting lost or stolen property guidance
• Automobile Association South Africa - practical advice on vehicle documentation and sales