How to Correct Errors on Birth Certificates
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.
Types of Errors
Common Errors
Name Errors:
- Misspelled first name
- Misspelled last name
- Missing middle name
- Incorrect name order
- Name variations
Date Errors:
- Wrong date of birth
- Wrong month
- Wrong year
- Date format errors
- Calendar errors
Place Errors:
- Wrong place of birth
- Incorrect city/town
- Wrong province
- Address errors
- Location mistakes
Parent Information Errors:
- Wrong parent names
- Misspelled parent names
- Missing parent information
- Incorrect parent details
- Parent ID number errors
Other Errors:
- Registration number errors
- Gender errors
- Other information mistakes
- Formatting errors
- Data entry errors
When to Correct Errors
Importance of Corrections
Why Correct:
- Errors can cause problems
- May affect ID applications
- May affect passport applications
- May affect visa applications
- Legal and administrative issues
Problems Caused:
- Application rejections
- Delays in processing
- Legal complications
- Administrative issues
- Identity verification problems
Timing
When to Correct:
- As soon as error discovered
- Before applying for other documents
- Before important applications
- Don't delay corrections
- Correct early
Before Applications:
- Correct before ID application
- Correct before passport application
- Correct before visa application
- Prevent future problems
- Ensure accuracy
Correction Process
Step 1: Identify the Error
Review Certificate:
- Check all information
- Compare with other documents
- Verify accuracy
- Identify all errors
- Note what needs correction
Document Errors:
- List all errors
- Note correct information
- Gather proof of correct information
- Prepare documentation
- Plan correction
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Essential Documents:
- Original Birth Certificate: With error
- Proof of Correct Information: Supporting documents
- ID Document: Valid ID
- Completed Correction Form: BI-193 form (correction form)
- Supporting Documentation: Proof of correct information
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for correction fee
Supporting Documentation:
- Hospital Records: Birth records showing correct information
- Medical Records: Showing correct date/name
- School Records: Showing correct name/date
- Other Official Documents: Showing correct information
- Affidavits: Sworn statements if needed
For Name Corrections:
- Marriage Certificate: If name changed
- Court Order: If name changed by court
- Other Name Change Documents: As applicable
- Proof of Correct Name: Official documents
For Date Corrections:
- Hospital Records: Birth records
- Medical Records: Showing correct date
- School Records: Showing correct date
- Other Proof: Official documents
For Parent Information:
- Parent ID Documents: Showing correct information
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable
- Other Proof: Official documents
Step 3: Pay Correction Fee
Correction Fees (2026):
- Correction Fee: R75 per correction
- May vary: By type of correction
- Non-refundable: Even if not approved
- Payment required: Before application
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 4: Complete Correction Form
Form Requirements:
- Form Type: BI-193 (correction form)
- Completion: Fill all sections accurately
- Error Details: Clearly state errors
- Correct Information: Provide correct details
- Supporting Documents: List attached documents
- Signature: Must be signed
Form Sections:
- Personal information
- Error details
- Correct information
- Supporting documentation list
- Declaration and signature
Step 5: Visit Home Affairs Office
At the Office:
- Book appointment (if possible)
- Bring all documents
- Submit correction form
- Provide supporting documents
- Explain corrections needed
Application Submission:
- Document verification
- Error verification
- Correction review
- Application logged
- Receipt issued
Best Times:
- Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Avoid month-end
- Avoid public holidays
- Book in advance
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard Processing: 6-8 weeks
- May vary: By office and correction complexity
- Longer for complex corrections: Multiple errors
- Track application: Use reference number
- Be patient: Processing takes time
Review Process:
- Error verification
- Documentation review
- Correction approval
- Certificate amendment
- New certificate issued
Step 7: Collect Corrected Certificate
When Ready:
- Receive notification
- Bring ID document
- Bring application receipt
- Collect in person
- Verify corrections
Verification:
- Check all corrections
- Verify information accuracy
- Ensure all errors fixed
- Report any remaining errors
- Keep corrected certificate safe
Required Documentation
Proof of Correct Information
For Name Corrections:
- Hospital birth records
- Medical records
- School records
- Other official documents
- Affidavits (if needed)
For Date Corrections:
- Hospital birth records
- Medical records
- School records
- Baptismal records
- Other official documents
For Place Corrections:
- Hospital records
- Medical records
- Address proof
- Other official documents
- Supporting evidence
For Parent Information:
- Parent ID documents
- Marriage certificate
- Hospital records
- Other official documents
- Supporting evidence
Fees and Costs
Correction Fees
Correction Fees (2026):
- Per Correction: R75
- Multiple Corrections: R75 each
- May vary: By correction type
- Non-refundable: Even if not approved
- Payment required: Before application
Additional Costs:
- New certificate (if needed)
- Certified copies (if needed)
- Travel to office
- Courier (if available, extra)
- Other expenses
Special Circumstances
Multiple Errors
If Multiple Errors:
- Correct all at once
- May need multiple forms
- Pay fee for each correction
- Provide proof for each
- Process all together
Efficiency:
- Correct all errors together
- Save time and money
- Single application process
- Comprehensive correction
- Better approach
Major Corrections
If Major Corrections:
- May need additional documentation
- May need court order
- More complex process
- Longer processing time
- Follow Home Affairs guidance
Complex Cases:
- Seek Home Affairs guidance
- Provide all documentation
- Be patient with process
- Follow instructions
- Complete all requirements
Prevention Tips
Avoiding Errors
At Registration:
- Verify all information
- Check spelling carefully
- Confirm dates
- Verify parent information
- Review before signing
After Registration:
- Check certificate immediately
- Verify all information
- Report errors early
- Correct promptly
- Keep accurate records
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I correct an error on my birth certificate?
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.
How much does it cost to correct a birth certificate?
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.
How long does it take to correct a birth certificate?
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.
What documents do I need to correct an error?
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.
Can I correct multiple errors at once?
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.
What if I don't have proof of the correct information?
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.
Can I correct my 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 correction application and submit required documents. Check the Home Affairs website for online options.
What types of errors can be corrected?
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.
Will I get a new birth certificate after 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.
What if my correction is not approved?
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.
Conclusion
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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