Home Affairs Status Checks in South Africa

A Home Affairs status check allows you to verify the status or progress of official documents, ensuring personal records are up-to-date for citizens, banks, and businesses. This guide details the process, methods, and troubleshooting tips, updated as of 2025.

Home Affairs Status Checks in South Africa

Table of Contents

What is a Home Affairs Status Check?

A Home Affairs status check lets you verify your status or the progress of official documents, including:

  • Alive/Deceased status
  • Identity document (ID) and passport applications
  • Marriage status/registration
  • Visa and permit applications

This helps citizens, banks, and businesses ensure personal records are up-to-date and eligible for vital services.

Online Status Check

1. Official DHA Status Portal

  • Go to: dha.gov.za
  • Select “Check your Status” or directly visit the Status Check Page
  • Services include: alive/deceased verification, ID application progress, marriage status, and passport application status.
  • Enter your South African ID number (13 digits, no spaces).
  • Submit and view your current record instantly.

2. eHomeAffairs Portal (for applications)

  • Visit ehome.dha.gov.za
  • Log in or register if you’re a first-time user.
  • Track ID, passport, smart card, visa, and permit application status under “My Applications.”
  • Acceptable for document uploads, appointments, and downloading approved permits/visas.

SMS Status Verification

  • Send an SMS with the letter L plus your 13-digit ID number (no spaces) to 32551 (for alive/deceased check).
  • Example: L1234567890123
  • Fee: R1 per SMS, available on all South African networks.
  • Typical reply within minutes; details your alive/deceased status.

Pro Tip: Save the official reply for banking, SASSA, Sefunda, and other government needs—it’s a valid proof for many services.

Contact Centre & Phone Service

  • Home Affairs Call Centre: 0800 60 11 90
  • Real humans can help with status queries, lost IDs, errors, or application tracking.
  • Have your ID number and application reference ready.

In-Person / Walk-in Status Checks

  • Visit any Home Affairs office.
  • Required: your physical South African ID or a certified copy.
  • Instant help or corrections, especially useful if online records are incorrect, if your ID was lost/stolen, or to escalate unresolved status problems.

Common Applications Tracked with Status Checks

Alive/Deceased Verification

Used for banking, pension withdrawals, SASSA, and legal issues.

The online and SMS services instantly confirm if you are alive in the national database.

ID & Passport Applications

Track the stage: received, processing, printed, ready for collection.

Processing times may vary based on office and workload.

If stuck, contact the call centre or escalate in person.

Marriage Registration

Check whether your marriage is officially registered and recognized.

Vital for divorce, inheritance, work permits, and social grant claims.

Visa & Permit Applications

Progress can be tracked via eHomeAffairs or at VFS Global centres if submitted abroad.

Know your application number for best results.

Troubleshooting & Advanced Issues

What if Your Status is Wrong? (e.g., “Deceased” by Error)

This is rare but serious—can block access to banking, SASSA, and vote registrations.

Steps to fix:

  • Go to your nearest Home Affairs office.
  • Bring a sworn affidavit from SAPS confirming you are alive.
  • Take your ID book/card and any supporting evidence (bank letters, employer records).
  • Home Affairs will verify fingerprints, open an investigation, and correct records.
  • Allow 1–3 months for correction; follow up weekly.

Other Common Issues

  • Application Stuck: If your status hasn’t changed for weeks, call or visit Home Affairs for escalation.
  • Lost ID/Passport: Use the status check to verify if replacements are being processed, then report the loss at once.

Privacy, Security & Best Practices

  • Never share your ID number on public forums or unofficial channels for “status checks.”
  • Use only official DHA, eHomeAffairs, or SMS 32551.
  • Keep your application reference numbers secure and private.

What Else Can You Do with Status Checks?

  • Validate marriage for spousal visas, divorce proceedings, or inheritance claims.
  • Monitor passport readiness before traveling.
  • Confirm eligibility for government tenders (companies may need proof of “Alive Status” for directors).

Pro Tips

  • Always keep copies of emails/SMS from the Department for your records.
  • If urgent, take all documentation (including correspondence) to a Home Affairs office to speed up problem solving.
  • Sign up for eHomeAffairs—using online status, applications, and appointment bookings can make the process much smoother.
  • For 24/7 checking and fastest results, use both online and SMS methods, and keep your Home Affairs documentation updated and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my ID or passport application status?+
You can track your ID or passport application status via the eHomeAffairs portal (ehome.dha.gov.za) under “My Applications” or by contacting the Home Affairs Call Centre at 0800 60 11 90 with your ID number and application reference.
What should I do if I’m incorrectly listed as deceased?+
Visit a Home Affairs office with a sworn affidavit from SAPS confirming you are alive, your ID book/card, and supporting evidence like bank letters. Home Affairs will verify fingerprints and correct the record, which may take 1–3 months.
Is it safe to use the SMS status check?+
Yes, sending an SMS to 32551 with “L” followed by your 13-digit ID number is secure, as it’s an official DHA service. Never share your ID number on unofficial channels.
Why is my marriage status important to check?+
Checking your marriage status ensures it’s officially registered, which is vital for spousal visas, divorce proceedings, inheritance claims, work permits, and social grant applications.