What can I use as a Proof of Residence?

8 August 2018

– Summary

You have heard of a "Proof of Residence", but exactly what can you use as a Proof of Residence? There might be more options than you think.

Most adult South Africans will have heard about a “Proof of Residence”; many of us have already provided a Proof of Residence to an organisation at some point in the past. However, you may not be aware of exactly what you can use as a Proof of Residence.

The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) introduced the requirement for a Proof of Residence. The main reason for the Act, and the need for a Proof of Residence, is to fight financial crime, such as money laundering and terrorist financing activities. So while it may be a hassle to provide your Proof of Residence repeatedly, it serves a necessary function.

DOCUMENTS THAT CAN BE USED AS A “PROOF OF RESIDENCE”

Bank Statement or Financial Statement	From your financial institution (not more than than 3 months old).
Bond Statement	A mortgage bond statement from your financial institution (not more than 6 months old).
Lease Agreement	A copy of a lease agreement signed by both the landlord and you (not more than 1 year old).
Letter from Body Corporate	Correspondence from your body corporate or share–block association addressed to you (not more than 3 months old).
Letter from Landlord	If you live in any type of residence that is not owned by you, a letter from the landlord or administration department of such residence on an official letterhead.
Letter from SARS	Official correspondence from the South African Revenue Services (“SARS”) to you (note more than 3 months old).
Life Policy	A recent life insurance policy issued by an insurance company to you.
Municipal Rate and Taxes Invoice	Your municipal rates and taxes invoice (not more than 3 months old).
Retail Account Statement	A retail account statement/invoice (not more than 3 months old).
Short-Terms Insurance Policy	A recent short–term insurance policy document or a short–term insurance renewal letter (not more than 1 year old).
Tax Return/Tax Assessment	An official tax return/tax assessment (not more than 1 year old).
Telephone Account	Your landline or cellphone account (not more than 3 months old).
TV Licence	Your valid television licence document.
Utility Bill	Such as water, electricity or rates (not more than 3 months old). Generally, it is accepted that a Utility bill addressed to a post box number is acceptable provided it shows your name, erf/stand number, township and suburb.

The documents referred to above must contain the following details of the following information:

The name OR initials AND your surname;
Your physical address.

It is generally preferred that the properties physical address is described on the document as opposed to it being described in terms of an erf or Stand Number.

Please bear in mind that the organisation that has requested the Proof of Residence may not accept all of the above documents for their own reasons, so check with them too.

DISCLAIMER: THERE ARE MORE CONSIDERATIONS THAN WE CAN COVER IN THIS ARTICLE SO ONLY USE THIS INFORMATION AS A GUIDE. THIS INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION WITH AN ATTORNEY; CONTACT US AT 0861 88 88 35; helpdesk@gcm-legal.com AND THROUGH THE CONTACT FORM ON THIS PAGE.