Complete guide to correcting errors on birth certificates in South Africa in 2026. Learn about types of errors, correction process, required documents, fees, and how to prevent errors.
Errors on birth certificates can cause problems when applying for IDs, passports, visas, and other official documents. Understanding how to correct errors, what documentation is needed, and the correction process helps ensure your birth certificate is accurate. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about correcting errors on birth certificates in South Africa.
Name Errors:
Date Errors:
Place Errors:
Parent Information Errors:
Other Errors:
Why Correct:
Problems Caused:
When to Correct:
Before Applications:
Review Certificate:
Document Errors:
Essential Documents:
Supporting Documentation:
For Name Corrections:
For Date Corrections:
For Parent Information:
Correction Fees (2026):
Payment Methods:
Form Requirements:
Form Sections:
At the Office:
Application Submission:
Best Times:
Processing Times:
Review Process:
When Ready:
Verification:
For Name Corrections:
For Date Corrections:
For Place Corrections:
For Parent Information:
Correction Fees (2026):
Additional Costs:
If Multiple Errors:
Efficiency:
If Major Corrections:
Complex Cases:
At Registration:
After Registration:
To correct an error on your birth certificate, gather proof of the correct information (hospital records, medical records, school records, etc.), complete the correction form (BI-193), pay the R75 correction fee, visit a Home Affairs office to submit your correction application with supporting documents, and wait 6-8 weeks for processing.
Correcting a birth certificate costs R75 per correction in 2026. If you have multiple errors, you pay R75 for each correction. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before your application appointment.
Birth certificate correction processing takes 6-8 weeks from application submission to corrected certificate being ready for collection. Processing times may be longer for complex corrections or multiple errors.
You need the original birth certificate with the error, proof of the correct information (hospital records, medical records, school records, or other official documents), your ID document, completed correction form (BI-193), and proof of payment for the R75 fee.
Yes, you can correct multiple errors in a single application. You'll need to pay R75 for each correction and provide proof of the correct information for each error. It's more efficient to correct all errors together.
If you don't have official documents proving the correct information, you may need to provide affidavits (sworn statements) from witnesses or other supporting evidence. Contact Home Affairs for guidance on what documentation is acceptable for your specific correction.
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 correction application and submit required documents. Check the Home Affairs website for online options.
Most types of errors can be corrected, including name errors, date of birth errors, place of birth errors, parent information errors, and other information mistakes. You'll need to provide proof of the correct information for each correction.
Yes, after your correction is approved and processed, you'll receive a new birth certificate with the corrected information. The old certificate with errors is typically cancelled, and the new corrected certificate becomes your official document.
If your correction is not approved, Home Affairs will provide a reason. You may need to provide additional documentation, clarify information, or address specific issues. You can reapply once you've addressed the concerns, though you'll need to pay the fee again.
Correcting errors on birth certificates requires gathering proof of the correct information (hospital records, medical records, school records, etc.), completing the correction form (BI-193), paying the R75 correction fee per error, visiting a Home Affairs office to submit your application with supporting documents, and waiting 6-8 weeks for processing. Correct errors as soon as they're discovered, especially before applying for IDs, passports, or visas. Provide strong supporting documentation to prove the correct information, and correct all errors together for efficiency.
For more information about birth certificate applications, marriage certificates, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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Specializing in South African Home Affairs services, passports, IDs, and visa applications with extensive knowledge of certificate corrections and amendments.