How to register a child’s birth

Registering a child’s birth is one of the most important steps a parent or guardian must take, ensuring the child’s legal identity and access to essential services. Under the updated Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issues an unabridged birth certificate to all parents or guardians of new born babies.

This certificate includes full details of both parents – identity (ID) numbers, names, city of birth and citizenship.  This is a new measure introduced to curb fraud and human trafficking.

The law also supports South Africa’s immigration system.

Since 1 June 2015, all children under 18 must present an unabridged birth certificate when entering or leaving the country.

Fortunately, the first certificate issued at birth registration is free of charge.

Parents, guardians or any legally responsible person must register the child within 30 days. This can be done at any Department of Home Affairs office in South Africa or at a South African embassy or consulate abroad.

To register, you must:

1. Complete Form BI-24,
2. Present your ID and provide a marriage certificate if applicable.
3. Married parents automatically register the child under the father’s surname, while unmarried parents may choose either surname.

Births reported after 30 days require additional documentation and may incur a fee.

Once submitted, newborns receive an unabridged birth certificate free of charge. If you later lose the certificate or need additional copies, you must complete Form BI-154, provide your ID (or certified copies) and pay the required fee.

Applications can be submitted at any Home Affairs office or South African mission overseas with processing taking between six and eight weeks.

For parents needing to travel before the unabridged certificate is ready, Home Affairs may issue a letter confirming both parents’ details, allowing the child to travel.

In cases where parents also need to apply for the child’s first passport – especially overseas – both parents must attend the appointment with all required forms and certified documents. Children aged seven and above must be present as well.

For more information, contact the Department of Home Affairs customer care on 0800 601 190.