How to Apply for a South African Passport (2026)
Applying for a South African passport is a straightforward process when you know the requirements and steps involved. Whether you're applying for your first passport or renewing an existing one, understanding the application process, required documents, fees, and where to apply helps ensure a smooth experience. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a South African passport through the Department of Home Affairs.
Who Can Apply for a South African Passport?
Eligibility Requirements
South African Citizens:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have a valid South African ID document (Smart ID or green barcoded ID)
- Must be 16 years or older (children under 16 have different requirements)
- Must not have any travel restrictions
First-Time Applicants:
- Must provide proof of South African citizenship
- Must have a valid ID document
- Must complete biometric capture (fingerprints and photo)
- Must provide required supporting documents
Renewal Applicants:
- Must have a previous South African passport (expired or expiring)
- Must provide the old passport
- Must have a valid ID document
- Must complete biometric capture
Required Documents
Essential Documents
For All Applicants:
- Valid South African ID: Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book
- Completed Application Form: DHA-73 form (available at Home Affairs offices)
- Two Recent Passport Photos: Must meet Home Affairs specifications
- Proof of Payment: Receipt showing passport fee payment
For First-Time Applicants:
- Birth Certificate: Original unabridged birth certificate
- Proof of Citizenship: If born outside South Africa, proof of citizenship
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable (for name changes)
For Renewal Applicants:
- Previous Passport: Original passport (expired or expiring)
- ID Document: Valid Smart ID or green barcoded ID
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Marriage Certificate: If name changed due to marriage
- Divorce Decree: If name changed due to divorce
- Court Order: If name changed by court order
- Parental Consent: For applicants under 18 (both parents must consent)
Passport Photo Requirements
Photo Specifications
Size and Format:
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Color: Full color (not black and white)
- Background: Plain white or light gray
- Quality: High resolution, clear and sharp
Appearance Requirements:
- Face: Full face, front view, eyes open and clearly visible
- Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Head Position: Head straight, looking directly at camera
- Hair: Must not cover face or eyes
- Glasses: Only if normally worn (no tinted lenses, no glare)
- Head Covering: Only for religious reasons (must not cover face)
- Jewelry: Minimal jewelry, no large earrings
Recent Photos:
- Photos must be taken within the last 30 days
- Must accurately represent current appearance
- No retouching or digital alterations
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Book an Appointment
Online Booking:
- Visit the Home Affairs website (www.dha.gov.za)
- Navigate to "Book an Appointment"
- Select your nearest Home Affairs office
- Choose available date and time
- Receive confirmation via SMS or email
Walk-In Applications:
- Some offices accept walk-in applications
- Arrive early (before 8:00 AM recommended)
- Be prepared for long queues
- Bring all required documents
Best Times to Apply:
- Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Avoid month-end and public holidays
- Avoid school holidays if possible
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before Your Appointment:
- Ensure your ID is valid and not expired
- Obtain passport photos from a professional photographer
- Get certified copies of supporting documents if needed
- Prepare proof of payment receipt
- Complete application form (if available online)
Document Checklist:
- ✓ Valid South African ID
- ✓ Two passport photos
- ✓ Completed application form
- ✓ Previous passport (if renewing)
- ✓ Birth certificate (if first-time applicant)
- ✓ Proof of payment
- ✓ Additional documents (if applicable)
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Passport Fees (2026):
- Standard Passport (32 pages): R600
- Maxi Passport (48 pages): R1,200
- Temporary Passport: R400
- Emergency Travel Certificate: R200
Payment Methods:
- Bank Deposit: Pay at any bank using Home Affairs banking details
- Online Payment: Via Home Affairs online portal (if available)
- Cash: At some Home Affairs offices (check availability)
Important:
- Keep proof of payment receipt
- Payment must be made before application
- Fees are non-refundable
- Fees may change, check current rates
Step 4: Visit Home Affairs Office
On Your Appointment Day:
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Bring all required documents
- Bring proof of payment
- Bring your ID document
- Be prepared for biometric capture
At the Office:
- Present your ID and documents
- Complete biometric capture (fingerprints and photo)
- Submit application form
- Receive application receipt
- Note your reference number
Biometric Capture:
- Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
- Digital photograph
- Signature capture
- Takes approximately 10-15 minutes
Step 5: Track Your Application
Tracking Methods:
- SMS: Receive updates via SMS (if registered)
- Online: Check status on Home Affairs website
- Phone: Call Home Affairs call centre
- Office Visit: Visit the office where you applied
Application Status:
- Submitted: Application received
- Processing: Under review
- Ready for Collection: Available for pickup
- Issued: Passport printed and ready
Processing Times
Standard Processing
Regular Processing:
- Standard Processing: 10-15 working days
- Express Processing: 5-7 working days (if available, additional fee)
- May vary: Depending on office workload and time of year
Factors Affecting Processing:
- Office workload
- Time of year (holidays, school breaks)
- Application complexity
- Document completeness
- System availability
Peak Periods:
- December holidays (longer processing)
- School holidays
- Month-end
- Public holidays
Collection Process
When Your Passport is Ready
Notification:
- SMS notification when ready
- Email notification (if provided)
- Check online status
- Contact office directly
Collection Requirements:
- Bring your ID document
- Bring application receipt
- Bring reference number
- Collect in person (cannot be collected by someone else)
Collection Time:
- During office hours
- Usually 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Check specific office hours
- Allow time for collection process
Important Considerations
Validity Period
Passport Validity:
- Standard Passport: 10 years (for adults)
- Child Passport: 5 years (for children under 16)
- Temporary Passport: 1 year
- Emergency Travel Certificate: Single use, short validity
Expiry Considerations:
- Many countries require 6 months validity remaining
- Check destination country requirements
- Renew well before expiry
- Plan ahead for travel
Name Changes
If Your Name Changed:
- Provide marriage certificate (if married)
- Provide divorce decree (if divorced)
- Provide court order (if name changed by court)
- Update ID document first (if needed)
- Apply for passport with new name
Lost or Stolen Passport
If Passport is Lost:
- Report to police immediately
- Get police report (case number)
- Apply for replacement passport
- Provide police report with application
- Additional fees may apply
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a South African passport?
Standard processing takes 10-15 working days from application submission. Express processing (if available) takes 5-7 working days for an additional fee. Processing times may vary depending on office workload and time of year.
How much does a South African passport cost in 2026?
A standard 32-page passport costs R600, while a maxi 48-page passport costs R1,200. Temporary passports cost R400, and emergency travel certificates cost R200. Fees are subject to change, so check current rates before applying.
Can I apply for a passport online?
While you can book an appointment online through the Home Affairs website, you must visit a Home Affairs office in person to complete the application, submit documents, and have your biometrics captured. The application itself cannot be completed entirely online.
What documents do I need to apply for a passport?
You need a valid South African ID (Smart ID or green barcoded ID), two recent passport photos, a completed application form, proof of payment, and your previous passport (if renewing). First-time applicants also need a birth certificate.
Can someone else collect my passport for me?
No, you must collect your passport in person. You'll need to present your ID document and application receipt when collecting. Passports cannot be collected by someone else on your behalf.
What if my passport is lost or stolen?
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police immediately and obtain a police report. Then apply for a replacement passport at Home Affairs, providing the police report with your application. Additional fees may apply.
How long is a South African passport valid?
A standard South African passport is valid for 10 years for adults. Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. Temporary passports are valid for 1 year, and emergency travel certificates have short, single-use validity.
Can I travel while my passport application is being processed?
If you have a valid existing passport, you can travel with it. If your passport has expired or you don't have one, you'll need to wait for your new passport to be issued before traveling internationally.
What is the difference between a standard and maxi passport?
A standard passport has 32 pages, while a maxi passport has 48 pages. The maxi passport is useful for frequent travelers who need more visa pages. The maxi passport costs more (R1,200 vs R600) but lasts the same 10 years.
Do I need to book an appointment to apply for a passport?
While walk-in applications are accepted at some offices, booking an appointment online is recommended to avoid long queues and ensure you're seen on time. Appointments can be booked through the Home Affairs website.
Conclusion
Applying for a South African passport involves gathering required documents, paying the application fee, booking an appointment (or walking in), visiting a Home Affairs office for biometric capture, and waiting for processing. Understanding the requirements, preparing documents in advance, and following the step-by-step process helps ensure a smooth application experience. Allow 10-15 working days for standard processing, and plan ahead if you have travel plans.
For more information about passport renewal, fees, photo requirements, or Home Affairs office locations, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
Related Articles:
Official Resources:
