Birth Certificates Application
You must register the birth of your child within 30 days after birth. The birth can be registered by a parent, guardian or any other person legally responsible for the child at an office of the Department of Home Affairs. If you are overseas, the birth can be registered at your nearest embassy or mission.
Registration of birth after 30 days is considered a late registrations and additional requirements apply.
Once the child’s birth has been registered, an unabridged birth certificate is issued for free. You can apply for additional unabridged birth certificates, for which a fee will be payable. An unabridged birth certificate is needed if you want to travel out of the country with the child.
Requirements for Birth Registration
A stamped original proof of birth or clinic card from the hospital or clinic;
- Parents’ identity documents (ID);
- If parents are married in a civil or customary marriage, original or certified copy of marriage certificate is required; and
- If parents are not married, both parents must present themselves personally at the nearest Home Affairs Office and bring along their IDs, to sign and acknowledge paternity. Among other things, a birth certificate will enable your child to:
- Receive government grant;
- Register for Grade R;
- Travel abroad.
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.
Required Documents and Forms
You must submit the following documents and forms, bringing all originals and typically two certified copies of each original document.
| Item | Requirement |
| Notice of Birth Form | Form DHA-24 (or BI-24). This barcoded form is usually provided at the hospital or the DHA office. |
| Proof of Birth | A document issued by the hospital, clinic, or medical practitioner who attended the birth. |
| Parents’ IDs | The original ID documents of both parents. |
| Marriage Certificate | Original or certified copy of the parents’ marriage certificate (if married). |
| Unmarried Parents | Both parents must attend the DHA office together to sign and acknowledge paternity on the relevant forms (if the father is registering the birth). |
Late registration of a Birth
According to the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act No: 51 of 1992), all births must be registered within 30 Days of birth. If a child birth is not registered within 30 days, it is considered a late registration of birth.
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 Year
- One Year up to Seven Years
- Seven Years and Above
31 Days up to One Year
Apply at designated offices with the following requirements:
- DHA 24/LRB (notice of birth)
- Children born at a health facilities: DHA 24/PB (Proof of birth) / Children born at home: DHA 24PBA (Proof of Birth Affidavit)
- DHA 288 /A (Affidavit giving reasons for LRB)
- Biometrics (palm, foot or fingerprint) of the child to be registered
- Fingerprints of parent/s
- ID/Passport of parent/s
1 Year to 7 Years
Apply at designated offices with the following requirements:
- DHA 24/LRB (notice of birth)
- Children born at a health facilities: DHA 24/PB (Proof of birth) / Children born at home: DHA 24PBA (Proof of Birth Affidavit)
- DHA 288/A (Affidavit giving reasons for LRB)
- DHA 288
- Biometrics (palm, foot or fingerprint) of the child to be registered
- Fingerprints of parent/s
- ID/Passport of parent/s
7 Years and Above
Apply at designated offices with the following requirements:
- DHA 24/LRB (notice of birth)
- Children born at health facilities: DHA 24/PB (Proof of birth) / Children born at home: DHA 24PBA (Proof of Birth Affidavit)
- DHA 288/A (Affidavit giving reasons for LRB)
- DHA 288
- Biometrics (ID-size photo and fingerprint) of the person to be registered
- Fingerprints of parent/s
- ID/Passport of parent/s
Additional Notes for All Categories
- Both parents must attend if possible; interviews or DNA tests may be required (e.g., for non-SA parents).
- For lockdown births (pre-2021), reduced requirements may apply check with DHA.
- Processing: 4–6 weeks (shorter delays); 6–12 weeks (longer). Track via eHome.
Special Cases
- Foreign-Born Children of SA Parents: Submit child’s foreign birth certificate (notarized), SA parent’s ID/passport, and consent affidavit. Register for citizenship by descent (Form BI-529/DHA-529).
- Undocumented Migrants: DHA must assist per court rulings; no refusal for lack of parental docs.
- Name Changes: Apply via DHA after registration; requires court order for major changes.
Processing Times and Tracking
- Standard (Within 30 Days): 6–8 weeks.
- Late/Overseas: 4–12 months.
- Track Status: Use DHA eHome portal or SMS “ID [ID number]” to 32551 (R1 per query). For overseas, email the embassy.