Birth Certificate Application

A birth certificate is an official document that records a person’s birth and legal identity. It is required for school registration, applying for an ID, passports, grants, and other legal or administrative processes.

The Department of Home Affairs registers births and issues birth certificates. Birth registration is compulsory in South Africa and should be done as soon as possible after a child is born.

There are different types of birth certificates:

• Abridged (short) certificate – shows basic details
• Unabridged (full) certificate – shows parents’ details
• Vault copy – official archived record

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

• A parent registering a newborn child
• A person applying for your own birth certificate
• A parent or guardian applying for a child
• A person requesting a replacement or copy

Reasons to apply

You may need a birth certificate if:

• A child has been born and needs to be registered
• Your original certificate is lost or damaged
• You need an unabridged certificate for travel or legal purposes
• You require a copy for school, grants, or official records

How to apply

1. Visit a Home Affairs office or hospital birth registration office.
2. Complete the required form.
3. Submit supporting documents.
4. Receive confirmation or collection slip if applicable.

Some services may be initiated online, but most applications require in-person submission.

Tip: Always confirm office requirements before visiting, as documents and procedures may vary.

Registering a newborn birth

Births must be registered within 30 days.

Parents must provide:

• Notice of birth form issued by hospital or midwife
• Parents’ identity documents or passports
• Marriage certificate (if parents are married)

If parents are unmarried, additional forms or consent may be required.

Late registration of birth (after 30 days) may require extra documentation and affidavits.

Applying for a replacement or copy

You can request a copy if your certificate is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you need another version.

You must:

• Complete the application form
• Provide your ID or valid identification
• Pay the applicable fee

Processing times vary depending on certificate type.

Types of birth certificates

Abridged certificate

• Issued shortly after birth registration
• Contains basic personal details

Unabridged certificate

• Contains full details of both parents
• Often required for passports, immigration, or legal matters

Vault copy

• Official copy stored in government archives
• Used when records must be verified from original registry

Documents required

The documents you must submit depend on the type of birth certificate service you need.

For newborn birth registration

• Notice of birth form issued by hospital, clinic, or midwife
• Mother’s ID or passport
• Father’s ID or passport (if available)
• Marriage certificate (if parents are married)
• Acknowledgement of paternity form (if parents are unmarried and father’s details must appear)

For late registration of birth (after 30 days)

Additional documents may be required, such as:

• Clinic cards or school records
• Baptismal certificate (if available)
• Affidavits from parents or relatives
• Proof of residence
• Any supporting documents proving birth details

For replacement or additional copies

• Applicant’s ID or valid identification
• Completed application form
• Payment of applicable fee

For unabridged or vault copies

• Applicant’s ID
• Details of birth (full name, date of birth, place of birth)
• Supporting documents if information must be verified

Important: Requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and office procedures. Always confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office before visiting.

Costs

Fees may change. Confirm with Home Affairs before applying.

Contact information

Home Affairs Call Centre: 0800 60 11 90
Website: www.dha.gov.za