Passport Application
A South African passport is an official travel document issued to South African citizens to enable international travel. It confirms the holder’s identity and nationality and is required when entering or leaving another country.
The Department of Home Affairs issues passports to South African citizens for international travel. Passport applications must be submitted in person so that fingerprints, photographs, and signatures can be captured.
A passport is not a replacement for an identity document and should not be used as identification within South Africa.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
· A South African citizen
· In possession of a valid South African identity document or birth certificate
· Applying in person at a Home Affairs office or South African mission abroad
Reasons to apply
You may need a passport if:
· You are travelling outside South Africa
· Your passport has expired or is about to expire
· Your passport is full, lost, stolen, or damaged
· Your personal details have changed
· You require a passport with more pages
How to apply
- Visit a Department of Home Affairs office or South African mission abroad.
- Complete the required passport application form.
- Submit the required supporting documents.
- Have your fingerprints, photograph, and signature captured.
- Receive a receipt or collection notice, if applicable.
Some passport applications may be initiated online; however, biometric capture must be completed in person.
Tip: Always confirm office requirements before visiting, as services and procedures may vary.
Types of passports
The following types of South African passports are issued:
· Regular adult passport (16 years and older)
· Child passport (under 16 years)
· Maxi passport (for frequent travellers)
· Official passport (for government officials)
· Diplomatic passport (issued to authorised diplomats)
Applying for a child passport
Children under the age of 16 must apply for their own passport.
Parents or legal guardians must provide:
· Child’s unabridged birth certificate
· Both parents’ IDs or passports
· Consent from both parents or legal guardians
· Court order (if applicable)
Both parents must consent unless a court order states otherwise.
Applying for a replacement passport
You must apply for a replacement passport if your passport is lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or full.
You must:
· Complete the passport application form
· Provide your South African ID
· Submit a police affidavit (for lost or stolen passports)
· Pay the applicable fee
South African passports cannot be renewed. A new application must be submitted in all cases.
Documents required
The documents you must submit depend on the type of passport application.
For adult passport applications (16 years and older)
· Original South African ID and a copy
· Completed passport application form
· Two colour passport photographs (if required)
· Proof of payment
For child passport applications
· Child’s unabridged birth certificate
· Parents’ IDs or passports
· Consent from both parents or legal guardians
· Court order (if applicable)
· Two color passport photographs (if required)
For replacement passports
· South African ID
· Police affidavit (for lost or stolen passport)
· Completed application form
· Proof of payment
Important: Requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and office procedures. Always confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office before visiting.
Costs
Service | Cost
Adult passport | R600
Child passport | R600
Maxi passport | R1 200
Replacement passport | R600
Fees may change. Confirm with Home Affairs before applying.
Contact information
Home Affairs Call Centre: 0800 60 11 90
Website: www.dha.gov.za