Complete guide to renewing your South African passport in 2026. Learn about renewal requirements, documents needed, fees, processing times, and when to renew your passport.
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.
Before Expiry:
After Expiry:
Pages Running Out:
Passport Validity:
When Validity Starts:
Essential Requirements:
Age Requirements:
Required Documents:
Additional Documents (if applicable):
Before Applying:
Document Checklist:
Passport Renewal Fees (2026):
Payment Methods:
Important:
Online Appointment:
Walk-In Application:
Best Times:
At the Office:
Biometric Capture:
Processing Times:
Tracking:
When Ready:
If Previous Passport is Lost:
If Name Changed:
If Passport is Damaged:
Requirements:
Parental Consent:
Validity:
Requirements:
Priority Service:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Specializing in South African Home Affairs services, passports, IDs, and visa applications with extensive knowledge of application processes and requirements.