Passport Renewal Requirements (2026)
Renewing your South African passport is necessary when your current passport expires or is about to expire. Understanding the renewal requirements, when to renew, what documents you need, and the process involved helps ensure you can travel without interruption. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your South African passport through the Department of Home Affairs.
When to Renew Your Passport
Expiry Considerations
Before Expiry:
- Renew 6 months before expiry (recommended)
- Many countries require 6 months validity
- Avoid last-minute renewals
- Plan ahead for travel
After Expiry:
- Can renew after expiry
- Must provide expired passport
- Same renewal process applies
- Cannot travel with expired passport
Pages Running Out:
- Can renew if pages are full
- Apply for maxi passport (48 pages)
- Useful for frequent travelers
- Higher fee for maxi passport
Validity Period
Passport Validity:
- Adults: 10 years validity
- Children (under 16): 5 years validity
- Temporary Passport: 1 year validity
- Emergency Travel Certificate: Short validity
When Validity Starts:
- From date of issue
- Not from date of application
- Check expiry date carefully
- Plan renewal accordingly
Renewal Requirements
Basic Requirements
Essential Requirements:
- Valid South African ID: Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book
- Previous Passport: Original passport (expired or expiring)
- Two Passport Photos: Recent photos meeting Home Affairs specifications
- Completed Application Form: DHA-73 form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt showing passport fee payment
Age Requirements:
- Adults (16+): Standard renewal process
- Children (under 16): Different requirements, parental consent needed
- Seniors (60+): Same process, may have priority service
Document Requirements
Required Documents:
- Previous Passport: Must be original, not a copy
- Valid ID Document: Smart ID or green barcoded ID
- Passport Photos: Two recent photos (within 30 days)
- Application Form: Completed DHA-73 form
- Proof of Payment: Bank receipt or payment confirmation
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
Renewal Process
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Before Applying:
- Check passport expiry date
- Ensure ID is valid
- Get passport photos taken
- Complete application form
- Pay application fee
Document Checklist:
- ✓ Previous passport (original)
- ✓ Valid South African ID
- ✓ Two passport photos
- ✓ Completed application form
- ✓ Proof of payment
- ✓ Additional documents (if needed)
Step 2: Pay Application Fee
Passport Renewal Fees (2026):
- Standard Passport (32 pages): R600
- Maxi Passport (48 pages): R1,200
- Temporary Passport: R400
Payment Methods:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Online payment (if available)
- Cash at some offices (limited)
Important:
- Keep proof of payment
- Payment must be made before application
- Fees are non-refundable
- Check current rates before paying
Step 3: Book Appointment or Walk In
Online Appointment:
- Book via Home Affairs website
- Select nearest office
- Choose date and time
- Receive confirmation
Walk-In Application:
- Some offices accept walk-ins
- Arrive early (before 8:00 AM)
- Be prepared for queues
- Bring all documents
Best Times:
- Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Avoid month-end and holidays
Step 4: Visit Home Affairs Office
At the Office:
- Present ID and previous passport
- Submit application form
- Complete biometric capture
- Receive application receipt
- Note reference number
Biometric Capture:
- Digital fingerprints
- Digital photograph
- Signature capture
- Takes 10-15 minutes
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard: 10-15 working days
- Express: 5-7 working days (if available, extra fee)
- May vary by office and time of year
Tracking:
- SMS updates (if registered)
- Online status check
- Phone inquiry
- Office visit
Step 6: Collect New Passport
When Ready:
- Receive SMS/email notification
- Bring ID document
- Bring application receipt
- Collect in person
- Cannot be collected by someone else
Special Circumstances
Lost or Stolen Passport
If Previous Passport is Lost:
- Report to police (get case number)
- Provide police report with application
- Apply as first-time applicant
- Additional documentation may be required
- Higher fees may apply
Name Changes
If Name Changed:
- Provide marriage certificate (if married)
- Provide divorce decree (if divorced)
- Provide court order (if name changed)
- Update ID document first (if needed)
- Apply with new name
Damaged Passport
If Passport is Damaged:
- Bring damaged passport
- Explain damage circumstances
- May need additional documentation
- Same renewal process applies
- Standard fees apply
Renewal for Children
Children Under 16
Requirements:
- Previous child passport
- Valid ID document (if child has one)
- Birth certificate
- Parental consent (both parents)
- Two passport photos
- Application form
Parental Consent:
- Both parents must consent
- If one parent unavailable, court order needed
- Consent form must be completed
- Parents must accompany child
Validity:
- Child passports valid for 5 years
- Must renew when child turns 16
- Different fees may apply
- Check current child passport fees
Renewal for Seniors
Adults Over 60
Requirements:
- Same as standard renewal
- Previous passport
- Valid ID document
- Passport photos
- Application form
- Proof of payment
Priority Service:
- Some offices offer priority for seniors
- May have shorter queues
- Same processing times
- Check office policies
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I renew my passport?
It's recommended to renew your passport 6 months before it expires, as many countries require at least 6 months validity remaining for entry. You can also renew after expiry, but you won't be able to travel with an expired passport.
How much does it cost to renew a passport in 2026?
Renewing a standard 32-page passport costs R600, while a maxi 48-page passport costs R1,200. Temporary passports cost R400. Fees are subject to change, so check current rates before applying.
How long does passport renewal take?
Standard passport renewal takes 10-15 working days. 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.
What documents do I need to renew my passport?
You need your previous passport (original), a valid South African ID (Smart ID or green barcoded ID), two recent passport photos, a completed application form, and proof of payment. Additional documents may be needed if your name has changed.
Can I renew my passport online?
While you can book an appointment online, you must visit a Home Affairs office in person to complete the renewal, submit documents, and have your biometrics captured. The renewal cannot be completed entirely online.
What if my previous passport is lost or stolen?
If your previous passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police and get a case number. Then apply for a new passport (not a renewal) at Home Affairs, providing the police report with your application. Additional fees may apply.
Can I travel while my passport renewal is being processed?
If you have a valid existing passport, you can travel with it. However, if your passport has expired or you've submitted it for renewal, you'll need to wait for your new passport to be issued before traveling internationally.
What is the difference between renewing a standard and maxi passport?
A standard passport has 32 pages, while a maxi passport has 48 pages. The maxi passport is useful if you travel frequently and need more visa pages. The maxi passport costs more (R1,200 vs R600) but has the same 10-year validity.
Do I need to renew my passport if I change my name?
If your name has changed (due to marriage, divorce, or court order), you'll need to renew your passport with your new name. You'll need to provide the relevant certificate (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and may need to update your ID document first.
Can someone else collect my renewed passport for me?
No, you must collect your renewed 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.
Conclusion
Renewing your South African passport requires your previous passport, valid ID, passport photos, completed application form, and proof of payment. The process involves booking an appointment (or walking in), visiting a Home Affairs office for biometric capture, and waiting 10-15 working days for processing. Renew your passport 6 months before expiry to avoid travel disruptions, and plan ahead as processing times can vary.
For more information about passport application, fees, photo requirements, or Home Affairs office locations, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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