How to change the surname of a minor child

The law allows you to rectify, amplify or amend the personal information of a minor as contained in the National Population Register of South Africa (NPR).

You can change the surname of a minor:

• If the child’s mother is married to a person who is not the biological father of the child and you wish to change the child’s surname to that of the husband.
• If the mother, after her divorce from, or the death of her husband (father of child), wishes to change the child's surname to her maiden surname or to another surname she bears legally; or if she has remarried, to the surname of her new husband. 
• If the child is born out of wedlock but registered under the biological father's surname and the mother wishes to change the child's surname to hers.
  
• If the minor is under the care of a guardian and the guardian wishes to change the child's surname to his/hers.
  

There may be other situations not mentioned above where a good and sufficient reason exists to change a minor's surname.

Requirements:

• You are required by law to get the written consent of the biological father if the child was born in wedlock, unless the court grants a ruling overriding this requirement.
• If you want your child to use the surname of your husband, who is not the biological father of the child, you must also get written consent from your husband.
• You must get the written consent of both biological parents, including good and sufficient reasons, in writing, for the change.
  

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office or to the South African embassy or mission if you apply abroad.
• If your child is born out of wedlock and you have married a person other than your child's biological father and you wish to change the child’s surname to your husband, you must: 
• complete form DHA - 193
• bring affidavit from the stepfather to assume his surname and marriage certificate.
• If you, after your divorce from or the death of your husband (father of child), wish to change your child's surname to your maiden surname or to another surname you bore legally, or if you have remarried, to the surname of your new husband, you must:
• complete form DHA -193
• bring the following:
• divorce decree , if applicable
• father’s consent (if alive)  or copy of death certificate (if deceased)
• stepfathers consent
• proof of marriage.
• If your child is born out of wedlock but registered under the biological father's surname and you  wish to change the child's surname to yours you must:
• complete form DHA -193 and not required biological father’s consent.
• If you are a child’s guardian and wish to change the child's surname to yours, you must:
• complete form DHA -193
• submit proof of guardianship
• If your child is born out of wedlock but not registered under the biological father's surname or his particulars is not inserted on the register and you and the father wishes to change and insert the father’s particulars on the child's register, you must: 
• complete form DHA -193, DHA – 462 and DHA 1682.
  

Timeframe

Applications may take between four and six weeks.

How much does it cost

R70

Forms to complete

Change of surname of a minor, BI-193

Who to contact