How to Apply for a Birth Certificate (2026)
A birth certificate is an essential document that proves your identity and citizenship. Whether you're applying for your first birth certificate, replacing a lost one, or need an unabridged version, understanding the application process helps ensure success. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a birth certificate in South Africa.
Types of Birth Certificates
Abridged Birth Certificate
Standard Certificate:
- Basic birth certificate
- Contains essential information
- Name, date of birth, place of birth
- Parent names
- Registration number
Use Cases:
- General identification
- School enrollment
- Basic documentation
- Standard purposes
- Most common type
Unabridged Birth Certificate
Full Certificate:
- Complete birth certificate
- Contains all information
- Full parent details
- Both parents' information
- More detailed
Use Cases:
- Passport applications
- Visa applications
- Immigration purposes
- Legal documentation
- International use
Who Can Apply
Eligibility
Who Can Apply:
- Person themselves: If 18 years or older
- Parents: For children under 18
- Legal guardian: If applicable
- Authorized representative: With proper documentation
- Other authorized persons: As permitted
Age Requirements:
- Under 18: Parent/guardian applies
- 18 and older: Can apply themselves
- No maximum age: Seniors can apply
- Same process: For all ages
Required Documents
For New Applications
Essential Documents:
- ID Document: Applicant's ID (if 16+) or parent's ID
- Hospital Records: Birth notification or hospital records
- Proof of Birth: Hospital certificate or midwife certificate
- Parent ID Documents: Both parents' IDs (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate: If parents married (if applicable)
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Marriage Certificate: If parents married
- Divorce Decree: If parents divorced
- Court Order: If applicable
- Adoption Papers: If adopted
- Other Documentation: As required
For Replacement
Required Documents:
- ID Document: Valid ID
- Previous Birth Certificate: If available (even if damaged)
- Proof of Identity: Additional proof if needed
- Application Form: Completed form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for fee
Lost/Stolen:
- Police Report: If lost/stolen (with case number)
- ID Document: Valid ID
- Application Form: Completed form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for fee
Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before Applying:
- Ensure all documents are available
- Get certified copies if needed
- Verify document requirements
- Prepare application form
- Pay application fee
Document Checklist:
- ✓ ID document (applicant or parent)
- ✓ Hospital records/birth notification
- ✓ Parent ID documents
- ✓ Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- ✓ Completed application form
- ✓ Proof of payment
- ✓ Additional documents (if needed)
Step 2: Pay Application Fee
Birth Certificate Fees (2026):
- Abridged Certificate: R75
- Unabridged Certificate: R75
- Replacement: R75
- Same fee: For all types
- Non-refundable: Even if not issued
Payment Methods:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Online payment (if available)
- Cash at some offices (limited)
- Use ID number as reference
- Keep proof of payment
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Form Requirements:
- Form Type: BI-24 (birth certificate application)
- Completion: Fill all sections accurately
- Information: Must match ID documents
- Signature: Must be signed
- Date: Must be dated
Form Sections:
- Personal information
- Birth details
- Parent information
- Contact details
- Declaration and signature
Step 4: Visit Home Affairs Office
At the Office:
- Book appointment (if possible)
- Bring all documents
- Submit application form
- Provide required documents
- Receive application receipt
Application Submission:
- Document verification
- Information verification
- Application logged
- Receipt issued
- Reference number provided
Best Times:
- Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Avoid month-end
- Avoid public holidays
- Book in advance
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard Processing: 6-8 weeks
- May vary: By office and circumstances
- Longer for older records: If birth not registered
- Track application: Use reference number
- Be patient: Processing takes time
Tracking:
- SMS updates (if registered)
- Online status check
- Phone inquiry
- Office visit
- Reference number needed
Step 6: Collect Birth Certificate
When Ready:
- Receive notification
- Bring ID document
- Bring application receipt
- Collect in person
- Verify certificate details
Collection:
- Must collect in person
- Cannot be collected by someone else
- Bring identification
- Verify information
- Keep certificate safe
Special Circumstances
Late Registration
If Birth Not Registered:
- More complex process
- Additional documentation needed
- May need affidavits
- Longer processing time
- Follow special procedures
Requirements:
- Proof of birth
- Witness statements
- Additional documentation
- May need court order
- Follow Home Affairs guidance
Adopted Children
If Child Was Adopted:
- Adoption papers required
- Court order needed
- Different process
- Additional documentation
- Follow adoption procedures
Name Changes
If Name Changed:
- Provide name change documentation
- Court order (if name changed)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Update birth certificate
- Follow name change process
Fees and Costs
Application Fees
Birth Certificate Fees (2026):
- Abridged Certificate: R75
- Unabridged Certificate: R75
- Replacement: R75
- Same fee: For all types
- Non-refundable: Even if not issued
Additional Costs:
- Certified copies (if needed)
- Travel to office
- Courier (if available, extra)
- Other expenses
Processing Times
Standard Processing
Processing Time:
- Standard: 6-8 weeks
- May vary: By office and circumstances
- Longer for late registration: If birth not registered
- Be patient: Processing takes time
- Track application: Use reference number
Factors Affecting Time:
- Office workload
- Record availability
- Application complexity
- Late registration
- System availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a birth certificate?
To apply for a birth certificate, gather required documents (ID, hospital records, parent IDs, marriage certificate if applicable), pay the R75 fee, complete the application form (BI-24), visit a Home Affairs office to submit your application, and wait 6-8 weeks for processing.
How much does a birth certificate cost?
A birth certificate costs R75 for all types (abridged, unabridged, or replacement). The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before your application appointment, typically via bank deposit.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate?
Birth certificate processing takes 6-8 weeks from application submission to certificate being ready for collection. Processing times may be longer for late registrations or if additional verification is needed.
What documents do I need to apply for a birth certificate?
You need your ID document (or parent's ID if under 18), hospital records or birth notification, both parents' ID documents, marriage certificate (if parents married), completed application form, and proof of payment. Additional documents may be needed for special circumstances.
Can I apply for a birth certificate online?
While you may be able to start the process online or book an appointment online, you typically need to visit a Home Affairs office in person to complete the application and submit required documents. Check the Home Affairs website for online options.
What is the difference between abridged and unabridged birth certificates?
An abridged birth certificate contains basic information (name, date of birth, place, parent names), while an unabridged certificate contains complete information including full parent details. Unabridged certificates are often required for passport applications, visas, and international purposes.
Can someone else collect my birth certificate for me?
Generally, you must collect your birth certificate in person. However, in some cases, a parent or legal guardian may collect it on behalf of a minor. Check with Home Affairs about collection requirements for your specific situation.
What if my birth was not registered?
If your birth was not registered, you'll need to apply for late registration, which requires additional documentation such as proof of birth, witness statements, and may involve a more complex process. Contact Home Affairs for guidance on late registration procedures.
What if I need to correct errors on my birth certificate?
If there are errors on your birth certificate, you can apply for corrections at Home Affairs. You'll need to provide proof of the correct information and may need additional documentation. There may be additional fees for corrections.
Can I get multiple copies of my birth certificate?
Yes, you can apply for multiple copies of your birth certificate. Each copy costs R75. You can request multiple copies when applying, or apply for additional copies later if needed.
Conclusion
Applying for a birth certificate involves gathering required documents (ID, hospital records, parent IDs, marriage certificate if applicable), paying the R75 fee, completing the application form, visiting a Home Affairs office to submit your application, and waiting 6-8 weeks for processing. Choose between abridged (basic) or unabridged (complete) certificates based on your needs. Prepare all documents in advance, ensure information is accurate, and book your appointment early for a smooth application process.
For more information about unabridged birth certificates, marriage certificates, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
Related Articles:
Official Resources:
