Overview:

To register the birth of a child and apply for their first South African passport, the following steps and requirements must be adhered to:

Appointment Requirements:

1. Both parents must be present at the appointment to register the birth.
2. Children aged seven and above must also attend the appointment.
3. All application forms must be fully completed but not signed, as they must be signed in the presence of a Home Affairs Official.
4. Ensure all original documents and copies are brought to the appointment; the official will certify the copies.

Forms and Documentation:

• Some forms are available for download; others will be provided at the office on the day of the appointment.

To apply for birth registration and a first passport, comply with the following:

1. Forms to be Completed:

         Prescribed forms to be completed in BLACK INK and BLOCK LETTERS

• Form DHA-24 for child to be registered before 30 days. (with four photos)
• Form DHA-24 and DHA-288A for child to be registered before 12 months. (with four photos)
• Form DHA-24LR and DHA-288 for registration of children aged between 1 YEAR to 6 years. (with 6 photos)
• Form DHA-24LR, DHA-288 and DHA-24A for registration of aged between 7 to 15 years. (with 6 photos)
• Form DHA-24LR, DHA-288, DHA-24A and 2x DHA-9 for registration of children aged between 15 onwards (with 8 photos).
• Form DHA- 288C, completed by the father to be completed by the father if the child is born out of wedlock (do not sign the form).
• Form: DHA-73, The form is available for download; please fill it out completely but refrain from signing it.
• Form: DHA-529 x 3, fully completed on both sides of the form (do not write N/A and do not sign). Complete one form in the child’s name and one form for each SA parent.

The purpose of the form is to establish that you have not lost your Citizenship and that all your details mentioned therein are according to the National population registrar. 

2. Specific Sections to Complete:

• Part A: Questions 7 (if born outside SA), 9, 10, and 11 are critical.
• Part B: Indicate marital status and complete details of the current or former spouse.
• Part C and D: Both parents’ details, including ID numbers and foreign nationality, must be completed.
• Part E: Ensure the DHA-529 form is signed in the presence of a Home Affairs Official and provide valid contact details.

Part A: Questions 7 (applicable only if born outside South Africa), 9, 10, and 11 are the most important for the applicant. N.B. For item 9, enter the dates when you first came to live or work in the UK. For item 10(d), you must also respond by circling either “No” or “Yes.” Circle “No” if you have never applied for the Retention of South African citizenship letter; circle “Yes” if you have previously applied for a Retention letter. Remember to bring your Retention letter or certificate with you to your appointment.

Part B: Next to the “Marital Status” section on the form, the appropriate status should be indicated (e.g., Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed). Subsequently, the details of the applicant’s current or former spouse should be provided on the form DHA-529, whether deceased or divorced or widowed)

For Legalization of UK marriage certificates and UK divorce decrees visit https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

Part C and D: Both the parents’ details must be completed including their ID numbers and foreign nationality (if any).

Part E: Ensure that form DHA-529 is signed in the presence of Home Affairs Official. Valid telephone/mobile number, email address (in block letters) and physical address must be provided.

DOCUMENTS TO BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT: (Original plus two copies):

• Child’s (applicant’s) unabridged birth certificate (where both the parents’ names are mentioned)
• Proof of foreign nationality of the child.
• All above mentioned photos must be very clear, professionally taken colour photos of the full face of applicant, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm, with a clear forehead (Not covered by hair)
• Please Note: Birth Registration and the 1^st birth certificate will be issued free of charge.
• Processing fees (Non-refundable) It must be paid in UK bank and in Sterling Pounds of £58:00 for the new passport, it must be deposited electronically into the High Commission’s Account using details below.

NAME OF THE BANK: NEDBANK PRIVATE WEALTH

NAME OF THE ACCOUNT HODER: SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 93274091

SORT CODE: 16 -57-06

• REFERENCE NUMBER: SURNAME & FULL NAMES (AS THEY APPEAR ON THE APPLICANT’S PASSPORT/BIRTH CERTIFICATE/ID
• NP: Please be reminded that you will be required to present printed proof of payment when you attend the appointment.
• A pre-paid, self-addressed, special delivery envelope (which indicates 500grm paid for) with your postal address on it.

PARENTS’ DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: (original plus 2 x copies)

• Marriage certificate. If married outside South Africa Legalized/Apostille.

For Legalization of UK marriage certificates and UK divorce decrees visit https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

Please Note: Apostille Certification can be obtained only from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

• Both the parents’ documents ID documents, passports, SA permits, SA birth certificates. If they have dual nationality, please provide proof as to how and when you acquired the foreign nationality, such Naturalization /Registration Certificate or foreign birth certificate issued by the Embassy/ letter from the authorities stating the date you acquired the nationality. (Please note a foreign passport is not a proof of foreign citizenship/nationality as it does not indicate as to when(date) and how you acquired the citizenship).
•  If you have British citizenship, then you may visit the British web page:    

    DPA.Queries@hmpo.gsi.gov.uk

 There, complete the Disclosure of Information form and submit and wait till you get the letter to book your appointment.

 If you have any other nationality and you do not have any of the above documents, then please contact the country’s authorities and request a letter stating the date and means of you acquiring the citizenship/nationality.

• If any document is in a foreign language, you must get them officially translated in English language. You must bring in copies of both the documents. i.e. document in foreign language and also officially translated copies in English.
• Retention of SA citizenship letter (if you have one)

Original plus two copies of all the documents are needed.

If you do not comply with any of the requirements including copies of the documents, you will not be assisted and therefore you will have to book a new appointment.

The average processing time is six months. You will be notified by e-mail as soon as the passport is received in our office.

The SA birth certificate will be posted back to you in the pre-paid, self-addressed special delivery envelope submitted.

The collection time for the new passport is between 10 am to 12:00 pm Monday to Friday except for Bank Holidays (CLOSED).

The Address: South African High Commission,

                      15 Whitehall,

                      London SW1A 2DD