You are required to register your child’s birth within 30 days of its birth in South Africa. If you are overseas, you can register the birth at your nearest embassy or mission if you are abroad. Parents, guardians or other people legally responsible for the child can register the birth at an office of the Department of Home Affairs.

According to Section 28 of the Constitution of South Africa, “all children are entitled to a name and a nationality from birth. These rights can only be realized by obtaining a birth certificate in South Africa.”.

It is imperative to note that children’s rights can be adversely affected if their births are not registered. Failure to register the birth of a child has serious implications for the child. In the absence of a birth certificate, a child cannot be granted citizenship, register and attend school, apply for government grants, obtain an identity document, or obtain employment. As enshrined in the Constitution, all of this constitutes a violation of a child’s rights.

How Do I Apply for A Birth Certificate in South Africa?

South Africa offers two types of birth certificates, namely Abridged and Unabridged. Abridged birth certificates are provided for free when you register your birth with the Department of Home Affairs. Unabridged birth certificates will cost you R75 per copy if you wish to apply for them. 

Using a document agent like DocAssist is an easier and faster alternative. We can handle the entire process for you, or if you have already applied and waited (not so patiently), we can expedite the process for you. 

With Doc Assist, you will have shorter waiting times to obtain DHA legal documents, making it easier to plan your schedule. We make the application process as simple as possible. We can assist you in obtaining the documents you need anywhere in South Africa or abroad. For more information or to request a quote, please contact DocAssist today.