Birth Certificates

* Please note: The forms mentioned below are provided at Home Affairs offices, unless otherwise specified.

Registering a birth

Births must be registered within 30 days in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act No: 51 of 1992 as amended in 2010 and its Regulations).

The parent(s), next of kin, or legal guardian of the child must visit the nearest Home Affairs office or the nearest South African embassy or consulate if the client is abroad. 

Proof of birth from the health facility where the birth occurred (Form DHA 24/PB – a Home Affairs form provided at a health facility).

An affidavit (DHA 24/PBA - obtainable at a Home Affairs office) of a person who witnessed the birth that occurred at a place other than a health facility is required. 

Once the child’s birth has been registered, a birth certificate with full details of the child and parent(s) is issued free of charge.

Where applicable, a marriage certificate must be provided. 

In case of abandoned/ orphaned minor children, a court order must be provided.

Children born to non-South African citizens in South Africa are issued a handwritten birth notice, free of charge, and they must register the birth with their embassy or consulate to obtain a birth certificate and a passport from their country of origin.

Re-issue of birth certificates

Birth certificates are issued upon request to persons who are:

  • South African citizens, whether in the Republic or outside the Republic, including persons who are not South African citizens but who reside permanently or temporarily in the Republic, for whatever purpose can apply for a re-issue of a birth certificate at a fee of R75 (unabridged birth certificate) and a fee of R20 (abridged birth certificate). 
  • The applicant's ID document is required.

 

Late registration of a birth

According to the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act No: 51 of 1992 as amended 2010), if a child’s birth is not registered within 30 days, it is considered a late registration of birth (LRB).

Births reported after 30 days have additional requirements. These types of registration of births are divided into three main categories: 31 days up to one (1) year; one (1) year up to fourteen (14) years, and fifteen (15) years and above.

1. Thirty-one (31) days up to one (1) year

Visit the nearest Home Affairs office with the following documents:

  • Proof of birth from the health facility where the birth occurred or an affidavit (Form DHA 24/PBA – obtainable from a Home Affairs office) of a person who witnessed the birth that occurred at a place other than a health facility is required.
  • Child to be accompanied in order for the biometrics (palm, foot or fingerprint) of the child to be registered.
  • ID/Passport of parent(s).
  • Where applicable, court order (abandoned/ orphaned minor children).

2. One (1) Year up to Fourteen (14) Years

Visit the nearest Home Affairs office with the following documents:

  • Proof of birth from the health facility where the birth occurred or an affidavit (form to be provided by the Home Affairs office) of a person who witnessed the birth that occurred at a place other than a health facility is required.
  • Affidavit (form to be provided by the Home Affairs office) giving reasons for LRB
  • Child to be accompanied in order for the biometrics (palm, foot or fingerprint) of the child to be registered
  • ID/Passport of parent/s
  • Where applicable court order (abandoned/ orphaned minor children)
  • Seven (7) years to 14 years LRB: ID photo of the child whose birth is sought to be registered
  • A departmental screening committee process

3. Fifteen (15) Years and Above

Visit the nearest Home Affairs office with the following documents:

  • Proof of birth from the health facility where the birth occurred or an affidavit (form to be provided by the Home Affairs office) of a person who witnessed the birth that occurred at a place other than a health facility is required.
  • Affidavit (form to be provided by the Home Affairs office) giving reasons for LRB and verifiable life events.
  • Child to be accompanied in order for the biometrics (palm, foot or fingerprint) of the child to be registered.
  • ID/Passport of parent/s.
  • ID photo of the child whose birth is sought to be registered.
  • Where applicable court order (abandoned/ orphaned minor children).
  • A departmental screening committee process.