Birth Registration Application

This birth registration process is applicable to newborn children AND all other persons, irrespective of age.

Birth Registration and passport application takes approximately 12 months to be finalised.

One of the parents of the child must be a South African citizen * at the time of birth to enable the child's birth to be registered in South Africa. Children born out of wedlock may be registered by the mother as sole parent. If the child born out of wedlock is to be registered in the father's name, paternity must be acknowledged on form DHA-24.

No errors or amendments are acceptable on the forms. Clear print, in black ink, is required.

The following documentation must be submitted:

1. Form DHA-24 Notice of Birth (fully completed). This form is not available online and may never be copied. To obtain form DHA-24, please see below.
2. Form DHA-288 to be completed by applicants under the age of 15.
3. Form DHA-288 and DHA-288/A to be completed by applicants 15 years and older.
4. Form BI-529 - By any one of the South African parents.
5. Form BI-529 - On behalf of the child/applicant.
6. Two (2) identical passport size photos of the applicant
7. Form CON 40 - Affidavit by parent regarding citizenship or nationality of another country
8. Certified copy of the child / applicant's foreign birth certificate (showing names of both parents)
9. Certified copy of marriage certificate of parents if applicable
10. Certified copies of parent(s) identity documents or passports (only page with biological data)
11. Fully completed passport application for child (if in need).
12. Copy of the certificate of the parent(s) authority to hold dual citizenship, and certified copy of parent's foreign citizenship certificate (if applicable).
13. Form DHA-9: All late birth registration applications of persons 16 years and older lodged from abroad MUST include the finger prints. To obtain the DHA-9 Finger Print form, please see below.

There is no fee for the Birth Registration and the first birth certificate is issued free of charge.

Forms, except Form DHA-24 and DHA-9 may be downloaded from www.sahc.org.au.

To obtain the DHA-24 (Notice of Birth) form please send a self-addressed, prepaid, ordinary post envelope (A4 size with correct postage stamps) or an express post envelope, to the South African High Commission, State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra 2600. Please include a cover note requesting the form and quoting applicant(s) full name and date of birth. For applicants 16 years and older the DHA-9 form will be posted with the DHA-24 form.

Return Postage

Only Australian applications:

• For applications originating from within Australia: a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (one envelope per family is sufficient).

Postal Address:

Only Australian applications:

South African High Commission
State Circle
Yarralumla
ACT
2600

Phone: (02) 6272 7300

See instructions for the passport application on this web site.

* Where permission has been granted to hold dual citizenship by the Department of Home Affairs, please include a photocopy of that authority.

Requirements for a Child's Passport

The documentation below must be completed and returned together with the birth registration application:

1. Form BI-73 (passport application)
   • Section A - Child's particulars and parents contact details
   • Section B - Certification to be completed by Police Officer / Justice of the Peace / Magistrate / Commissioner of Oaths
   • Section C - Consent from both parents is required
   • Section E - Completion by sponsoring parent
2. Four recent identical coloured passport photographs. Clear, full face of applicant, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm. (Photographs taken at photo booths are not acceptable). The reverse of two photographs to be endorsed by certifier to declaration (Section B of form BI-73) with the initials and surname of the child in block letter on the reverse side of the photographs, signed and dated. Do not staple to form or allow any stamp to be placed on the upper side of the photograph and wait until endorsement is dry.
3. New Child Passport Fee: AUD 103.00 (new fee with effect 01/11/2022).

Payment must be in Australian Dollars (AUD) made out to the "South African High Commission" by way of Postal Money Order or Bank Cheque.

Personal cheques or credit cards are NOT accepted. ONE bank cheque or Postal Money Order for the total amount / whole family is preferred.

Incorrect payment will not be accepted; in case of incorrect payment the cheque or postal money order will be returned to applicant.

Return Postage:

Only Australian applications:

• For applications originating from within Australia: a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family).

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