Consular Services Information

Overview

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only.

Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.

Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

Applicants applying for first adult passport (i.e. applicants 15 and a half years old or turning 16) must ALSO apply for an ID Card along with the passport or before applying for the passport as this is now compulsory by the Department of Home Affairs.

It is important that you bring the correct documents with you. For every document submitted, you must provide the original document which is certified and a photocopy. If your certified documents are not in English, the certified documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator original document (foreign birth or marriage certificate & divorcee decree) must be legalised/apostilled.

It takes SIX to TWELVE MONTHS to process new South African documents. To ensure that applicants receive their documents on time, they are advised to please book an appointment at least EIGHTEEN months before expiry of current passport to avoid any delays. Please do not make firm travel arrangements before obtaining your passport.

Fees

Once you have made your application, you will have to pay the fee at the DHA Services Centre by Credit/Debit card only. Kindly note that other modes of payment are not accepted.

VFS Global charges a service fee – AUD 102 on top of the below consular fees and additional services fees.

Documents Required

It is important that you bring the correct documents with you. For every document submitted, you must provide the original document which is certified and a photocopy. If your certified documents are not in English, the certified documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator original document (foreign birth or marriage certificate & divorcee decree) must be legalised/apostilled.

• Form DHA-73 Passport Application Form

  Applicant to complete the section A and sign in section E of the DHA 73form.
  Section B of this form will complete upon your appointment at office.

  Parental consent on page 2 section C of DHA 73 must be signed in the office if applicant is under 18 years and both parents must be present in the office for the passport of applicants below 18 years.

  If one parent is not in the Australia, consent must be obtained from the Home Affairs in South Africa or from a local South African Embassy to complete the DHA-73 form and give consent for the child’s passport application where the other parent is residing.

  In a case where parents have passed on, the lawful guardian will submit the certified copy of the court order certificate of adoption and certified copy of the first page of his/her identity document and passport.

• DHA-529 - Determination of Citizenship Status

  This form is required for all passport applications applied for outside of South Africa. Please mark N/A to questions that are not applicable - do not leave anything blank.

  Please note questions A9 & A10 MUST be answered and section 'E' signed by the applicant or the form will be returned.

• Form DHA-9 Full set of fingerprints

  This form is not downloadable. You will receive it to complete on the day of your appointment at DHA Services Centre.

• Form DI-47 Loss of passport report and police report

  To be submitted for lost/stolen passport with police report - if applicable.

• Bring the original and copies of your below documents

  This DHA Services Centre can certify the copy as a “true copy of the original” if the original is shown.

  1. South Africa current passport.
  2. South Africa Identity document. (ID book / Smart ID Card)
  3. South Africa birth certificate.
  4. South Africa marriage certificate, if married surname to be mentioned in passport.
  5. South Africa ID books / smart ID cards and passports of both parent’s, if applicant is under 18 years for first adult passport.

• A certified copy of your foreign citizenship certificate and your dual citizenship certificate - if applicable

  If you have dual nationality, please provide proof of how and when you acquired the foreign nationality, such Naturalization and retention or Registration Certificate.

  FOREIGN PASSPORT OR ID IS NOT PROOF OF HOW AND WHEN YOU ACQUIRED FOREIGN CITIZENSHIP.

  In cases of the applicant who acquired foreign citizenship through descent from a parent, a certified copy of your own full birth certificate showing the birth places of your parent(s) is required. Under circumstances where even the parents acquired such citizenship through descent, a letter from the relevant authorities of the country concerned will suffice.

  If you are a naturalised South African, a certified copy of your Naturalisation Certificate.

  Documents issued in a foreign language must be officially translated to English by a sworn translator. This DHA Services Centre can certify the copy as a “true copy of the original” if the original is provided.

• Applicable to women to mentioned married surname in passport

  If you want your passport to be issued in your maiden / married surname, a formal letter of request must also be included together with a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

  Foreign marriage certificate (if married outside SA) must submit ID/Passport of spouse together with the marriage registration form available on our website.

  Foreign divorce certificate (if divorced outside SA) if possible, submit ID/Passport of spouse together with the divorced registration form available on our website.

  Final Divorce Decree, both copies of marriage certificate and final divorce decree must be submitted.

Photo Specifications

Four (4) clear, professionally taken colour photos of full face of applicant, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm.

This Service can obtain at Application Centre with applicable fee.

Please do not attach the photos to the form. Officials at the DHA Services Centre will certify photos on the day of your appointment.

Processing Time

It takes SIX to TWELVE MONTHS to process new South African documents. To ensure that applicants receive their documents on time, they are advised to please book an appointment at least EIGHTEEN months before expiry of current passport to avoid any delays. Please do not make firm travel arrangements before obtaining your passport.

Download Forms

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only. Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.
Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

• DHA - 73_Passport Application
• BI-529_Determination of Citizenship
• DI – 47_Loss Report

Overview

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only.

Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.

Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

Processing time is approximately SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS as applications are forwarded to Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing.

Fees

Once you have made your application, you will have to pay the fee at the DHA Services Centre by Credit/Debit card only. Kindly note that other modes of payment are not accepted.
VFS Global charges a service fee – AUD 102 on top of the below consular fees and additional services fees.

Documents Required

It is important that you bring the correct documents with you. For every document submitted, you must provide the original document which is certified and a photocopy. If your certified documents are not in English, the certified documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator original document (foreign birth) must be legalised/apostilled.

• Form BI-529 - Determination of Citizenship Status

This form is required for all passport applications applied for outside of South Africa. Please mark N/A to questions that are not applicable - do not leave anything blank.

Please note questions A9 & A10 MUST be answered and section 'E' signed by the applicant or the form will be returned.

• Form DHA-9 Full set of fingerprints

This form is not downloadable. You will receive it to complete on the day of your appointment at DHA Services Centre.

• Certified copy of the South Africa unabridged birth certificate. (certifications must not be older than 3 months)
• Certified copy of both parents first page of the Identity Books / smart ID cards. (certifications must not be older than 3 months)
• Certified copy of both parents first page of the passports. (certifications must not be older than 3 months)
• This DHA Services Centre can certify the copy as a “true copy of the original” if the original is provided.
• In a case where parents have passed on, the lawful guardian will submit the certified copy of the court order certificate of adoption and certified copy of the first page of his/her identity document and passport.

Photo Specifications

Four (4) clear, professionally taken colour photos of full face of applicant, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm.

This Service can obtain at DHA Services Centre with applicable fee..

Please do not attach the photos to the form. Officials at the DHA Services Centre will certify photos on the day of your appointment.

Processing Time

Processing time is approximately SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS as applications are forwarded to Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing.

Download Forms

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only. Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.
Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

• BI-529_Determination of Citizenship

Overview

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only.

Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.

Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

Processing time is approximately SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS as applications are forwarded to Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing.

Fees

Once you have made your application, you will have to pay the fee at the Application Centre by Credit/Debit card only. Kindly note that other modes of payment are not accepted.
VFS Global charges a service fee – AUD 102 on top of the below consular fees and additional services fees.

Documents Required

It is important that you bring the correct documents with you. For every document submitted, you must provide the original document which is certified and a photocopy. If your certified documents are not in English, the certified documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator original document must be legalised/apostilled.

• Form BI-529 - Determination of Citizenship Status

This form is required for all passport applications applied for outside of South Africa. Please mark N/A to questions that are not applicable - do not leave anything blank.

Please note questions A9 & A10 MUST be answered and section 'E' signed by the applicant or the form will be returned.

• Form DHA-9 Full set of fingerprints

This form is not downloadable. You will receive it to complete on the day of your appointment at Application Centre.

• Certified copy of South Africa unabridged 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 South Africa.
• Certified copy of South Africa unabridged marriage certificate (female applicants only).

Photo Specifications

Four (4) clear, professionally taken colour photos of full face of applicant, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm.

This Service can obtain at Application Centre with applicable fee.

Please do not attach the photos to the form. Officials at the Application Centre will certify photos on the day of your appointment.

Processing Time

Processing time is approximately SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS as applications are forwarded to Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing.

Download Forms

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only. Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.
Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

• BI-529_Determination of Citizenship

Overview

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only.

Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.

Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

Processing time is approximately SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS as applications are forwarded to Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing.

Fees

Once you have made your application, you will have to pay the fee at the Application Centre by Credit/Debit card only. Kindly note that other modes of payment are not accepted.
VFS Global charges a service fee – AUD 102 on top of the below consular fees and additional services fees.

Documents Required

It is important that you bring the correct documents with you. For every document submitted, you must provide the original document which is certified and a photocopy. If your certified documents are not in English, the certified documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator original document must be legalised/apostilled.

Getting copies of birth certificates

South African citizens, whether in the Republic or outside the Republic, including persons who are not South African citizens but who sojourn permanently or temporarily in the Republic, for whatever purpose.

• DHA-154 form Application for a birth certificate

Registration of a birth within 30 days

All children born in South Africa must be registered within 30 days of their birth (in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992.)

A parent, parents, guardian or any other person legally responsible for the child must complete Form DHA-24 (with black ink only) and it must be submitted to the Application Centre 

Once the child’s birth has been registered, an unabridged birth certificate is issued free of charge

• DHA-24 Form - Notice of Birth
• DHA-154 Form - Application for a birth certificate
• DHA 288 Form
• DHA – 529 Form for Child (Determination of Citizenship Status)
• DHA – 529 Form for Both parents (Determination of Citizenship Status)
• Foreign birth certificate of the child
• ID /Passport of both the parents
• Marriage certificate of the child’s parents
• Two (2) clear, professionally taken colour photos of full face of the child, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm.

Re-issue of Birth Certificate

• DHA-24 Form - Notice of Birth
• DHA-154 Form - Application for a birth certificate
• DHA 288 Form
• ID and or Passport copy
• Birth extract / copy of birth certificate
• ID card of both parents
• Two (2) clear, professionally taken colour photos of full face of the child, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm.

Registration of a birth above 30 days

Please contact the South Africa High Commission Canberra to submit the application for registration of a birth above 30 days.

Photo Specifications

Kindly note that photograph is not required to apply for Birth certificate.

Processing Time

Processing time is approximately SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS as applications are forwarded to Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing.

Download Forms

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only. Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.
Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

• DHA -24_Notice of Birth
• DHA – 529 Determination of Citizenship Status
• DHA-154_Birth Certificate
• DHA – 288_Affidavit_Notice of Birth

Overview

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only. Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.

Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

It takes SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS to process new South African documents. To ensure that applicants receive their documents on time, they are advised to please book an appointment at least EIGHTEEN months before expiry of current passport to avoid any delays. Please do not make firm travel arrangements before obtaining your passport.

BOTH PARENTS AND CHILD must be present at the office for the passport application.

If applicant is under 15 and a half years old, they are not required to provide fingerprints.

If the child is older than 15 and a half years old, they are required to apply for the first Adult Passport and ID Card.

Fees

Once you have made your application, you will have to pay the fee at the DHA Services Centre by Credit/Debit card only. Kindly note that other modes of payment are not accepted.

VFS Global charges a service fee – 115 AUD on top of the below consular fees and additional services fees.

Documents Required

It is important that you bring the correct documents with you. For every document submitted, you must provide the original document which is certified and a photocopy. If your certified documents are not in English, the certified documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator original document (foreign birth) must be legalised/apostilled.

• Form BI-73 - Passport Application Form

  Applicant to complete the section A and sign in section E of the DHA 73 form.

  Section B of this form will complete upon your appointment at office.

  Parental consent on page 2 section C of DHA 73 must be signed in the office if applicant is under 18 years and both parents must be present at the office for the passport of applicants below 18 years.

  If one parent is not in the Australia, consent must be obtained from the Home Affairs in South Africa or from a local South African Embassy to complete the DHA-73 form and give consent for the child’s passport application where the other parent is residing.

  In a case where parents have passed on, the lawful guardian will submit the certified copy of the court order certificate of adoption and certified copy of the first page of his/her identity document and passport.

• Form BI-529 - Determination of Citizenship Status

  This form is required for all passport applications made outside of South Africa.

  Please mark N/A to questions that are not applicable. Do not leave anything blank. Please note questions A9 & A10 MUST be answered and section 'E' signed by the parent of the child or the form will be returned.

• Form DI-47 Loss of passport report and police report

  To be submitted for lost/stolen passport with police report - if applicable.

• Bring the original and copies of your below documents

  This DHA Services Centre can certify the copy if the original is shown.

  1. South Africa current passport.
  2. South African birth certificate.
  3. South Africa birth certificate.
  4. South Africa ID books / smart ID cards of both parents.
  5. South Africa passports of both parents.

• A certified copy of your foreign citizenship certificate and your dual citizenship certificate - if applicable

  If you have dual nationality, please provide proof of how and when you acquired the foreign nationality, such Naturalization and retention or Registration Certificate.

  FOREIGN PASSPORT OR ID IS NOT PROOF OF HOW AND WHEN YOU ACQUIRED FOREIGN CITIZENSHIP.

  In cases of the applicant who acquired foreign citizenship through descent from a parent, a certified copy of your own full birth certificate showing the birth places of your parent(s) is required. Under circumstances where even the parents acquired such citizenship through descent, a letter from the relevant authorities of the country concerned will suffice.

  If you are a naturalised South African, a certified copy of your Naturalisation Certificate.

  Documents issued in a foreign language (if not in English) must be officially translated to English by a sworn translator.

  This DHA Services Centre can certify the copy as a “true copy of the original” if the original is provided.

Photo Specifications

Four (4) clear, professionally taken colour photos of full face of applicant, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm.

This Service can obtain at Application Centre with applicable fee.

Please do not attach the photos to the form. Officials at the DHA Services Centre will certify photos on the day of your appointment.

Processing Time

It takes SIX to TWELVE MONTHS to process new South African documents. To ensure that applicants receive their documents on time, they are advised to please book an appointment at least EIGHTEEN months before expiry of current passport to avoid any delays. Please do not make firm travel arrangements before obtaining your passport.

Download Forms

All forms need to be completed in BLACK INK only. Do Not Use Tippex or White-out. The application will be rejected by DHA.
Please ensure that you completely answer the forms—leaving no blanks. If something is irrelevant, please indicate so with an “N/A” (not applicable).

• DHA - 73_Passport Application
• BI-529_Determination of Citizenship
• DI – 47_Loss Report
• Registration of Marriage
• Registration of Divorce