How to APPLY for an unabridged BIRTH certificate in SA

We’ve received a multitude of emails about the unabridged birth certificate in SA. What are they, when do you need them and how do you apply? So we consulted with SAVisas.com for assistance to bring you up to speed on the matter.

ABRIDGED VS. UNABRIDGED

First off, what’s the difference between an abridged and unabridged birth certificate in SA? Abridged birth certificates indicate the name and surname of a child’s mother. While an unabridged version shows the identity document number, first name and surname, date of birth, place of birth, and country of birth of not only the minor, but both parents as well. Up until 2013, any South African child was issued with an abridged version.

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After 2013 this fell away and unabridged birth certificates were automatically issued. This became contentious in 2015, however, when the legalising of any South African documents required an unabridged birth certificate in SA. Many South African citizens didn’t have one and this required an application through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) which took upwards of eight weeks.

GET AN UNABRIDGED BIRTH CERTIFICATE IN SA

So, with that for context, here’s how you can apply for an unabridged birth certificate in SA. You can apply at your nearest Department of Home Affairs (DHA) branch.

You will need the following documents:

• Copy of your ID document.
• Copy of your child’s abridged birth certificate/your child’s ID number.
• R75 processing fee.
• Note that the application can take up to eight weeks to be processed.
• Documents must be certified originals and you must submit copies.
• If your child was born after the 14th of March 2013, then you should already be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate and therefore won’t need to apply.

Download the forms you need for an unabridged birth certificate in SA HERE.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as immigration or legal advice. For detailed advice on individual cases, we recommend getting in touch with Lawyers for Human Rights. You can call their immigration hotline on 0800 079 614 or WhatsApp them on +27 817 168791.

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