Description
An identity document (ID) is a
document that proves one’s identity. It is issued to South African
citizens or permanent residence holders who are 16 years and
older.
An ID is re-issued to the following
persons:
- Persons whose identity documents have been
lost, stolen or damaged.
- Persons who apply to have their personal
particulars changed.
- Persons whose citizenship status has
changed.
- Women who entered into matrimony or would
like to resume any of their previous surnames.
- Persons who are temporarily residing
abroad but previously had an identity document.
- Immigrants who have a valid permanent
residence permit.
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Steps to follow
- Complete application form BI-9 at any Home
Affairs office. Apply at a South African embassy or mission if
applying abroad.
- Produce a birth certificate or an old
reference book issued before 1 July 1986.
- Submit two ID-size photographs.
- Have your fingerprints taken to be
recorded in the Population Register.
- Produce a marriage certificate if you are
married.
- A woman who applies for an identity
document and wants to resume any of her previous surnames must
submit proof that she is entitled to use that surname.
- An immigrant who applies for an identity
document must attach a permanent residence permit, naturalisation
or exemption certificate.
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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.
Note:
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
R16
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Forms to complete
(Documents are provided in PDF
format. To open PDF documents, you need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher installed on
your computer.)
- *Application for re-issue of an identity
document, BI-9
- *Application for identity document,
BI-10
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 |