How To Change Your ID Number In South Africa

Below is How To Change Your ID Number In South Africa

An identity document (ID) enables South African citizens and permanent residents to identify themselves for general purposes and day-to-day activities in society. IDs form an important part of each person’s daily activities since all transactions require positive identification.

You can get a South African ID if you are a South African citizen or permanent resident and are aged 16 years or older.

If your ID book has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply for a replacement ID. You can also get a new ID if:

  • Your personal particulars have changed.
  • Your citizenship status has changed.
  • You have changed your surname (for example, if you get married or divorced).
  • You are temporarily living abroad and have previously had a South African ID.

Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged ID will cost R140. 

Immigrants who have valid permanent residence permits can also get an ID.

A temporary ID serves as proof of identity while you are waiting for your application for an ID to be processed. This document is only valid for a short period.

Re-issuing an ID

In the event that your ID is lost, damaged or stolen, you may request a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC). This can be done at any office of the Department of Home Affairs and is subject to the verification of your fingerprints.

You can also get a new ID if:

Your personal details have changed.

Your citizenship status has changed.

You have changed your surname (for example, if you get married or divorced).

You are temporarily living abroad and have previously had a South African ID.  

You can apply for a replacement ID by: 

Completing Form BI-9 as well if you have not previously submitted your fingerprints.

Attaching additional documents as required (e.g. a marriage certificate if you are married).

Paying the required fee, R140, for the re-issue.

Be sure to provide your cellphone number in your application so that you can receive regular updates on the progress of your application via SMS.

To get the SMS updates, simply SMS the word “ID” followed by your ID number to 32551. You will be charged R1 for each SMS sent.

For more information on how to apply for an identity document, visit the Department of Home Affairs website, where you can also track and trace the progress of your ID application.

Changing gender

In terms of section 27(A) read with the provisions of the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act, 2003 (Act No.49 of 2003).

Applications can be made by:

Persons who have undergone a sex-change operation or medical treatment resulting in their gender reassignment.  In such cases two medical reports are required:

  1. one by the medical practitioner who applied the procedure or medical treatment or by a medical practitioner who has experience in such procedures or treatments, and
  2. a report by a second medical practitioner who has independently examined the application to established his/her gender.

Intersexed persons

In this category, the applicant must submit:

a report by a medical practitioner corroborating that the applicant is intersexed, as well as

a report by a qualified psychologist or social worker corroborating that the applicant is living and has lived stably and satisfactorily, for an unbroken period of at least two years in the gender role corresponding to the sex description under which he or she seeks to be registered

Applications must be on Form BI-526 or a written request, accompanied by the required medical reports.

How can I verify my South African ID number?

Check online for duplicate ID

You can now check online if you share an Identity. Document (ID) number with other people.

Alternatively, you can send an SMS to 32551. with the letter D (for duplicate) followed by your ID number.

The Department will also publish names of.

Addressing a media briefing, Home Affairs.