What Is Needed To Apply For Birth Certificate In South Africa
In this article, Satacts.co.za tries to answer this question by publishing the requirements needed to apply for A Birth Certificate in South Africa
Registering a birth
Your child will be registered under the father’s surname if you are married. Your child can be registered under either parent’s surname for unmarried parents.
Note: The first birth certificate after registration is free, and there are no fees for registering the birth of your child.
As a parent, guardian, or any other person legally responsible for the child, you’ll need to register your child within 30 days. You’ll need to do the following:
- complete and submit Form BI-24 at a Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office if you’re in South Africa, or at a South African embassy or consulate if you’re overseas,
- bring your ID along, and
- bring a copy of your marriage certificate.
- Remember that your fingerprints will be used as part of the registration process.
- The palm, foot or fingerprint of the child whose birth is being registered is required. Records will be archived.
- Births reported after 30 days have additional requirements and you may need to pay a required fee for the application.
How to apply
Newborn babies will receive an unabridged certificate free of charge. However, if you want to apply for a new unabridged certificate, lost your birth certificate, or need additional copies, you must
- complete Form BI-154
- take your ID (if you take copies, they should be certified),
- an application fee
- take your child’s ID, if you’re applying with the abridged certificate
Submit all this documentation at your nearest Home Affairs office or the nearest South African mission, consulate, or embassy if you’re overseas.
This process will take 6 – 8 weeks.
If you’re waiting on the unabridged birth certificate and need to travel, consider asking a Home Affairs office for a letter that provides the details of both parents. Your child will be able to travel when you receive this letter.
What is the fastest way to get a copy birth certificate in South Africa?
If you apply directly through the Department of Home Affairs in your area, you can expect to receive an abridged birth certificate within 6 to 8 weeks. Your baby can not go on medical aid without a birth certificate and would be at risk for the first two months of his or her life.
How long does it take to apply for a birth certificate in South Africa?
It can take up to 24 weeks to obtain your certificate at Home Affairs. We will expedite your order and obtain your certificate in the 8-week window. We collect your order the day that it is ready. Please note* if Home Affairs cannot find your records you will have to fill out both a BI-288 & BI-24 forms.