Description
An
identity document proves one’s identity. Identity documents
are issued to South African citizens or permanent residence permit
holders who are 16 years or older. It may be also issued to anyone
working for the government or a statutory body outside South Africa
or who has been seconded to serve the government of another
country. This extends to that person’s spouse and children.
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Steps to follow
- Apply at the nearest Home Affairs office or mission if you
apply abroad.
- Complete application form BI-9.
- Submit a birth certificate or an old reference book issued
before 1 July 1986.
- If the birth was not registered, and there is no birth
certificate, complete a BI-24/15 and attach at least one supporting
document, e.g. a baptismal certificate,, school letter or maternity
certificate.
- Submit two ID-size photographs.
- Fingerprints will be taken for recording in the Population
Register.
- Married applicants must produce a copy of a marriage
certificate.
- A woman who applies for an identity document and wishes to
resume any of the surnames she was previously known by, must submit
a proof that she is entitled to that surname.
- An immigrant who applies for an identity document must attach a
permanent residence permit, naturalisation or exemption
certificate, marriage certificate, and form BI-529.
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Legal framework
(Documents are provided in PDF format. To open PDF documents, you need to
have Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher installed on
your computer.)
Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997)
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Service standard
The processing period is two months.
Remember to
include your cellular phone number for the purposes of tracking and
tracing your ID application and delivery of your ID. To receive an
update on your ID application status, you need to SMS the word
‘ID’, followed by your ID number, to 32551. For example: (ID
1212127891082). Your network operator charges R1.00 for each
SMS sent.
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Cost
This service is free.
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Forms to complete
(Forms are provided in PDF
format. To open PDF documents, you need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher installed on
your computer.)
Note: *Special specifications and requirements regarding the
processing of this form apply and it may therefore not be
downloaded for use as an application or registration form. All
forms are available at any regional or district office of the
Department.
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Contact details |