How to change your surname

You can change your surname at any Home Affairs office or South African embassy /mission if you are abroad.

To do so, you must be 16 years or older. There are various reasons why you could want to change your surname.

You can apply to change your surname if you:

• want to use your spouse’s surname
• revert to your maiden name or previous surname that you legally bore 
• join your surname with that of your spouse as a double-barrelled surname
• want to use your biological or step parents’ surname
• want to add, remove or change your forenames.
  

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs Office or South African embassy/mission if you are abroad.
• Complete forms DHA-196 and DHA-9
• submit:
• 2 photographs for the issuing of a new Id book
• an identity document that bears the current name (s) and surname.
• Give sufficient reasons in writing, why you want to change your surname.
  

Timeframe

Applications may take between four and six months to effect changes on NPR.

How much does it cost

• Change of surname - R325
• Alteration of forenames - R140
• ID - R140
• Re-issuance of confirmation letter for amended details – R70
  

Forms to complete

• *Change of surname of majors, DHA-196
• *Application for identity document, DHA-9

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.

Who to contact

Client service centre
Toll free number 0800 601 190