How to get unabridged birth and marriage certificates from Home Affairs in South Africa. Image: AdobeStock
How to get unabridged birth and marriage certificates from Home Affairs in South Africa
South Africans that want to travel abroad to work or study in foreign countries will need a variety of documents to assist their visa application process.
How to get unabridged birth and marriage certificates from Home Affairs in South Africa. Image: AdobeStock
Unabridged marriage and birth certificates are two of the most fundamental documents you’ll need to travel outside of the country, but also two of the documents that take the longest to obtain.
In today’s post, we will take a deeper look at how South Africans can obtain their unabridged birth and marriage certificates in the fastest time possible, and where you can seek help if and when you need it!
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Q: What is an unabridged birth certificate?
A: It’s a long-form birth record.
These were issued upon request until April 2016, and only standard (short form) birth certificates were issued for children born before April 2016. Individuals born after April 2016 are automatically issued with an unabridged birth certificate.
These certificates contain information about your two biological parents or legal guardians. Any South African under the age of 18 must submit an unabridged birth certificate when exiting and entering the republic.
Q: What is an unabridged marriage certificate?
A: This marriage certificate is an extension of the certificate you got when your marriage was registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
Like unabridged birth certificates, unabridged marriage certificates contain more information than short-form certificates and are vital for travel.
The certificate proves that two people are legally married and have a legally binding marriage contract in place. It contains more information than the abridged marriage certificate issued when your marriage was registered with the Department of Home Affairs. These certificates offer more proof of our marriage and can be used for any legal proceeding.
Q: How long does Home Affairs take to issue civic certificates like unabridged marriage or birth certificates?
A: Expect delays if you’re applying on your own.
Unfortunately, South Africans applying for their documents on their own outside of the country through SA embassies can wait anything between 6 and 8 months for their document to be issued. If you are based within South Africa, it can take up to two months to issue your documents.
But in most cases, time is of the essence, and you simply won’t have this much time to play with. And that is why many South Africans are turning to document concierge services like Apostil.co.za, who can have civic certificates ready for their clients in between one and six weeks, depending on which document it is and if the express process is chosen.
Q: How can I apply for an unabridged marriage or birth certificate?
A: Someone has to deal with the DHA to submit the application.
The Department of Home Affairs is in charge of issuing unabridged marriage and birth certificates. Applications for these documents must be made directly with the DHA, which is an institution known for time delays. Embassies, missions, and consulates abroad can also accept applications from South Africans living abroad. However, these applications are forwarded to the DHA Head Offices in Pretoria. This is why we recommend working with a professional concierge service to get your documents expedited as soon as possible.
To apply for your certificates, you will need copies of your South African ID document, and you must complete the relevant application form.
- The DHA-154 Form for an Unabridged Birth Certificate
- The DHA-130 Form for an Unabridged Marriage Certificate
Q: Where can South Africans find assistance with obtaining their civic certificates?
A: Apostil.co.za takes care of all your documentation needs!
South Africans that need to obtain their unabridged birth or marriage certificates in the fastest time possible can turn to Apostil.co.za to take the stress out of the equation. As a professional documentation agency in South Africa, they specialise in legalised and verified South African document assistance.
Apostil.co.za handles everything on behalf of their clients. They can assist South Africans within the country as well as those already living and working abroad. Get in touch with them today to learn more about their wide range of services and how they can help you obtain your legal documents!
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