Birth Certificates Application in South Africa (2025)

Birth registration is mandatory within 30 days in South Africa, offering abridged and unabridged certificates for various needs like passports and visas.

Birth Certificates South Africa 2025

Table of Contents

Overview

In South Africa, birth registration is mandatory within 30 days of birth under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992. There are two main types: abridged (basic details, often for children born out of wedlock) and unabridged (full details, including parental information, required for passports and visas).

Applying for a birth certificate in South Africa is a crucial step to ensure your child has a legal identity.

Eligibility

  • All children born in South Africa, including foreign nationals.
  • South African citizens abroad can register at embassies.

Who Needs to Register a Birth

The biological parents of the child are primarily responsible for registering the birth. If the parents are unable to do so, a legal guardian or any other person who has knowledge of the birth can register it, provided they have a valid reason.

Requirements

For timely registration (within 30 days):

  • Form BI-24 completed in black ink.
  • Submitted at a DHA office or embassy.

For late registration:

  • Varies by age; includes forms like DHA-24/LRB, proof of birth, affidavits, biometrics, and parental IDs.

For copies:

  • Form BI-154.
  • Fee required.

Documents Required:

  • Notification of Birth (DHA-24 form): This form is usually provided by the hospital or birthing clinic after the birth.
  • Parents’ Identity Documents (IDs): Both parents’ South African ID books or cards are required. If one parent is not a South African citizen, their passport and visa/permit are needed.
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If the parents are married, their marriage certificate is required.
  • Proof of Paternity (if parents are not married and father’s details are to be included): This could be an affidavit by the father acknowledging paternity.
  • Child’s Name: You’ll need to provide the chosen first names and surname for the child.

How to Apply

  • Submit forms in person at the nearest DHA office or embassy.
  • Online booking via eHome Affairs for appointments.
  • Processing: Initial certificate issued within a day; copies vary.

When to Register a Birth

It’s highly recommended to register a birth within 30 days of the child’s birth. Registering within this timeframe is free of charge.

Where to Register a Birth

  • Department of Home Affairs (DHA) offices: This is the most common place.
  • Hospitals or birthing clinics: Some facilities have DHA offices on-site, making the process very convenient.
  • Embassies or consulates (if born outside South Africa): For South African citizens born abroad.

The Application Process

  1. Complete the DHA-24 form: Ensure all sections are filled in accurately and clearly.
  2. Submit documents: Present all the required documents to the DHA official.
  3. Fingerprints: In some cases, fingerprints of the parents may be taken.
  4. Verification: The official will verify the information and documents.
  5. Issuance of Abridged Birth Certificate: If everything is in order, an abridged birth certificate will be issued immediately. This document contains the child’s details, date of birth, and parents’ details.
  6. Issuance of Unabridged Birth Certificate: The unabridged birth certificate (which includes more detailed information about both parents, including their full names and ID numbers) is usually issued later. It can take several weeks or even months to be processed and issued. You may need to specifically request it.

Late Registration of Birth

If you miss the 30-day window, you can still register the birth, but the process becomes more involved and may require additional interviews and documentation to prove the birth occurred. There might also be a fee involved for late registration.

Why is a Birth Certificate Important?

A birth certificate is a fundamental document that:

  • Establishes a person’s legal identity.
  • Is required for schooling, applying for an ID, passport, and other official documents.
  • Facilitates access to social services and benefits.
  • Proves citizenship.

Fees

  • Initial registration: Free.
  • Abridged copies: R20.
  • Unabridged copies: R75.

Note: As of 2025, challenges persist with unregistered births affecting access to services.