Can You Get Unabridged Birth Certificate in South Africa?

An unabridged birth certificate contains the identity document number, first name and surname, date of birth, place of birth, and country of birth of not only the minor to which it belongs, but for both parents as well.

What is  an unabridged birth certificate required for in South Africa?

If you are a minor (under the age of 18), and plan to travel into or out of South Africa, you will need an unabridged birth certificate. You do not need an unabridged birth certificate for domestic travel (for example between Johannesburg and Cape Town), but for international travel, you require this official document.

How long do you wait for an unabridged birth certificate in South Africa?

This could depend on how easily accessible your details are in the archives. Generally, it could take  up to 24 weeks to obtain your certificate at Home Affairs. However, if Home Affairs cannot find your records you will have to fill out both a BI-288 & BI-24 forms, hereby extending  the processing time.

What documents do you need to apply for an unabridged birth certificate in South Africa?

In order to apply for your unabridged birth certificate at the nearest Department of Home Affairs, you will require the following documents:

• Copy of your ID document;
• Copy of your child’s abridged birth certificate/ your child’s ID number.