You’ve taken your baby home, given them a name and their little body is growing every day. The next step on this exciting new journey is to register your baby’s birth.
As per South African law, all children should be registered by an official branch of government within 30 days of their birth.
Registration of births is facilitated by the Department of Home Affairs. An unabridged birth certificate will be issued to you free of charge within days after your baby’s registration application has been submitted.
Requirements for Birth Registration:
- A completed BI-24 form at a Department of Home Affairs office if you’re in South Africa, or at a South African embassy or consulate if you are overseas
- A stamped original proof of birth or clinic card from the hospital or clinic where your baby was born;
- Both parent’s identity documents (ID);
- If the child’s parents are married in a civil or customary marriage, an original or certified copy of their marriage certificate is required; and
- If the child’s parents are not married, both parents must present themselves personally at the nearest Department of Home Affairs office and bring along their IDs, to sign and acknowledge maternity and paternity.
If you are unable to register your baby within their first 30 days of life, late registration will apply which requires more details for registration. For more information, visit http://www.dha.gov.za
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