The Requirements to Apply Online for A Birth Certificate

Who can apply for a Birth Certificate in South Africa?

Birth certificates are issued upon request to persons who are:

• South African citizens, whether in the Republic or outside the Republic, including persons who are not South African citizens but who sojourn permanently or temporarily in the Republic, for whatever purpose.

If you need additional copies of a birth certificate you must: 

• complete Form BI–154 and submit it to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs if you are in South Africa, or the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate if you are overseas
• pay the required fee for the application.

Can Undocumented Foreigners Apply for a Birth Certificate in South Africa?

Undocumented Foreign Nationals who are born in South Africa are issued with a certificate free of charge on registration of their births.

How much is a copy of a birth certificate in South Africa?

In South Africa, a copy of a birth certificate costs R75. But you have to apply for it at the Department of Home Affairs yourself, and it can take up to six months before you receive it. If you’re looking for a copy of a birth certificate, there must be a reason for doing so.

How long does it take to get a copy of a birth certificate in South Africa?

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.

What is an Unabridged Birth Certificate?

An Unabridged Birth Certificate is a document containing information of both biological parents or legal guardians. Unaccompanied passengers under the age of 18 require them in addition to the other required documents (passports, visa stamps, etc.) when entering or exiting South Africa.

Who needs an Unabridged Birth Certificate?

South African children (under the age of 18) require the Unabridged Birth Certificate. The same rule applies to unaccompanied foreign children flying to South Africa. It is the responsibility of passengers to ensure their children have the correct documents or stand the risk of being denied boarding. The law is being enforced by airlines and immigration officials across the board (land, sea and air). Although airlines and travel agents are doing everything to keep passengers informed, ultimately it is passengers’ responsibility to know all the requirements. In cases where the Unabridged Birth Certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.

How do I get an Unabridged Certificate?

If you have a child under the age of 18, and still need to get an Unabridged Birth Certificate, you can apply at your preferred Department of Home Affairs branch or a South African embassy, mission or consulate. The application fee is R 75.00.

The documents you will need include:

• The Identity Documents of the parents and the child’s ID number
• All documents need to be original or certified copies

When a child is born, parents need to register their child’s birth within 30 days from their date of birth. After you have submitted your registration application, you will receive an Unabridged Birth Certificate at no additional cost. According to the Department of Home Affairs, you will receive the certificate a day or so after you have submitted your application.