About registering birth

You must register the birth of your child within 30 days after birth. Registration is a legal requirement in South Africa. You will also need a birth certificate to enroll your child at school, to apply for an ID document and for other official purposes.

Only in unusual cases e.g. parents have deceased that someone can register the birth. It will be over ruled that the birth can be registered by social worker/ legal guardian or the next of kin of whom the department will do online verification to identify the person registering the birth.

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office. If you are outside the country, visit the South African embassy or mission.
• Complete form BI-24.
• Bring the following:
• your identity document 
• your child's proof of birth e.g. hospital certificate
• a copy of the death certificate , If a parent/s is deceased.
• You will receive an abridged birth certificate free of charge.
  

Note: If you want to register a child born out of wedlock in the father’s surname, the father must acknowledge paternity in the presence of a Home Affairs official and the mother must give consent. If you are married, the child will be registered under the father's surname. If decided by parents, the child may also bare a double barrel surname of the mother and father.

Timeframe

The birth certificate is issued on the same day.

How much does it cost

• The first issue – free
• Abridged certificate – R20
• Unabridged certificate – R75
  

Forms to complete

• Application for a birth certificate, BI -154 for re- issue and unabridged
• Notice of birth, BI-24
  

Who to contact

Department of Home Affairs.