APPLYING AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION IN CANBERRA

ONLY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS RESIDING IN AUSTRALIA (EXCEPT WESTERN AUSTRALIA, VICTORIA AND NEW SOUTH WALES) AS WELL AS PAPUA NEW GUINEA, SOLOMON ISLANDS, KIRIBATI, TUVALU, THE MARSHALL ISLANDS AND MICRONESIA

Identity Document Application: First Time Applicants

Identity documents can only be issued to South African citizens aged sixteen years or older.

The following documents are to be filled out, clearly printed in black ink:

1. DHA-9 fingerprint form.

1.1   The High Commission will send the DHA‑9 fingerprint form only after receiving a cover letter requesting the form and providing the applicant’s full names and South African ID number(s). Please enclose a self‑addressed, prepaid A4 envelope with correct postage, or a self‑addressed Express Post envelope, and address to:
The Consular Office, South African High Commission, State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra 2600.
Please note that the DHA-9 Form cannot be emailed.

*VFS applicants through VFS in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth will have their fingerprints taken during their appointments with VFS. Please do not request the DHA-9 form from the High Commission if applying through VFS.

1.2 Fingerprints and Certified Photos: Australian Police Assistance

2. Completed BI-529 form (citizenship questionnaire), sections A & B regarding your personal particulars. (Note: Question 9 is the last permanent date of departure from South Africa). Sections C & D requires your parents’ particulars, i.e. their names, dates & places of birth and detail of residence in South Africa

Include if applicable:

• A copy of your Retention of South African Citizenship Certificate (dual citizenship) if you also have the citizenship of a foreign country.
• Certified copy of Marriage certificate (female applicants only).
• Certified copy of full birth certificate. Where a name change has taken place, a copy of the approval letter or new amended certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Certified copy of photo page of parent(s) Identity documents
• Two (2) certified passport photographs, 35mm x 45mm, in colour showing full facial features of the applicant (head and shoulders). (Photographs taken at photo booths are not acceptable).

First applications for Identity Documents are issued free of charge.

Mail the application and supporting documentation to the High Commission for processing.

Return Postage: For applications originating from within Australia via the South African High Commission in Canberra only, please include a self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family).

Postal address: The Consular Office, South African High Commission, State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra 2600, ACT

Identity Document Reapplication

Identity documents can only be issued to South African citizens aged sixteen years or older.

The following documents are to be filled out, clearly printed in black ink:

1. A full set of fingerprints to be taken on form DHA-9. Ensure that you provide your Identity number in the three (3) spaces provided and your full name. Your signature is required in the space provided. All finger prints must be clearly rolled to expose all details of the print. The only non-rolled prints are the ‘plain prints’ which are your four (4) fingers (NOT PALMS) flat.
   NB: The High Commission will send the DHA 9 fingerprint form only after receiving a cover letter requesting the form and providing the applicant’s full names and South African ID number(s). Please enclose a self-addressed, prepaid A4 envelope with correct postage, or a self addressed Express Post envelope, and address to:
   The Consular Office, South African High Commission, State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra 2600.
   Please note that the DHA-9 Form cannot be emailed.
   *VFS applicants through VFS in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth will have their fingerprints taken during their appointments with VFS. Please do not request the DHA-9 form from the High Commission if applying through VFS.
2. Completed BI-529 (citizenship questionnaire), sections A & B regarding your personal particulars. (Note: Question 9 is the last permanent date of departure from South Africa). Sections C & D requires your parents’ particulars, i.e. their names, dates & places of birth and detail of residence in South Africa.
3. A copy of you Retention of South African Citizenship Certificate (dual citizenship) if you also have the citizenship of a foreign country.
4. Certified copy of Marriage certificate (female applicants only).
5. Certified copy of full birth certificate. Where a name change has taken place, a copy of the approval letter or new amended certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
6. Two (2) certified passport photographs, 35mm x 45mm, in colour showing full facial features of the applicant (head and shoulders). NB: Photographs taken at photo booths are not acceptable.
7. Fees applicable: 12.00 AUD (non-refundable).
   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. Incorrect payment will not be accepted; in case of incorrect payment the cheque or postal money order will be returned to applicant.
   Return Postage:

Send the application and supporting documentation to the High Commission for processing.
Postal address: The Consular Office, South African High Commission, State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra 2600

Processing time: Approximately 6 to 12 months, as all applications are forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. The High Commission in Canberra is not able to check the status of your application.

NB: The Department of Home Affairs uses the mobile phone number that you have provided during the application process to send you updates about progress and the readiness for collection of your document. Ensure that your full contact details (i.e. mobile phone number, home address, postal address and email address) are updated with Home Affairs for accurate records and communication purposes.