Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates

2025 Complete Application Guide

Overview

Vital certificates issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) serve as legal proof of life events and are required for ID applications, education, employment, and legal processes.

Birth Certificate

Records birth details for ID applications, school registration, and social grants

Marriage Certificate

Proves legal marriage for name changes, visas, and estate claims

Death Certificate

Documents death for estate settlement and grant adjustments

Why Apply in 2025?

Legal Requirements

Needed for Smart IDs, passports, SASSA grants, and voter registration

Education

Essential for matric rewrite 2025 (Feb 7 deadline) and school enrollment

Career

Required for Assistant Teacher Application 2025 (opens April 22)

Financial

Critical for estate claims, insurance, and spousal benefits

International

Unabridged versions needed for immigration or dual citizenship

Certificate Types

Birth Certificate

  • First-Time Registration: Free within 30 days
  • Late Registration: R500 penalty after 30 days
  • Abridged: R20 (basic details)
  • Unabridged: R75 (full details)

Marriage Certificate

  • Registration: Free (by marriage officer)
  • Abridged: R20
  • Unabridged: R75
  • Re-Issuance: R20-R75

Death Certificate

  • Registration: Free within 7 days
  • Abridged: R20
  • Unabridged: R75
  • Re-Issuance: R20-R75

Required Documents

Birth Certificate

  • Form BI-24 (Notice of Birth)
  • Parents’ certified IDs
  • Proof of birth (hospital record)
  • Form DHA-288 for late registration

Marriage Certificate

  • Form DHA-27 (Marriage Register)
  • Spouses’ certified IDs
  • Proof of marriage
  • Form DHA-30 for customary

Death Certificate

  • Form BI-1663 (Notification)
  • Deceased’s ID
  • Medical certificate
  • Form BI-1680 for unnatural

Application Process

1

Gather Documents

Collect required forms and certified copies of IDs

2

Submit Application

Online via eHomeAffairs or at DHA offices

3

Pay Fees

Online via internet banking or at DHA offices

4

Processing

Birth: 6-8 weeks | Marriage: 2-6 weeks | Death: 24hrs-2wks

5

Collection

At DHA office or bank branch where applied

Regional Considerations

Durban (KZN)

  • DHA Offices: Umgeni Road, Pinetown
  • Support: NYDA Durban (031 304 9305)
  • Challenges: High demand

Gauteng

  • DHA Offices: Pretoria, Centurion
  • Support: 011 242 9000
  • Outreach: Mobile units

Western Cape

  • DHA Offices: Cape Town, Bellville
  • Support: 0861 819 919
  • Challenges: Rural access

Important Notes

  • Processing Times: Vary by certificate type and completeness of application
  • Late Registration: Penalties apply (R500 for births after 30 days)
  • International Use: Unabridged certificates require apostille (R175 via DIRCO)
  • Online Tracking: Use eHomeAffairs or SMS ID to 32551 (R1/SMS)
  • Scam Alert: Report fraud to 0800 601 190