Getting a South African unabridged birth certificate is essential for passport applications, marriage registration, and school enrollment. But occasionally, getting this crucial paperwork can be a drawn-out and challenging process. In this ultimate guide, we’ll go through quick and easy methods for getting a South African unabridged birth certificate. Access all things you should know about a South African unabridged birth certificate and follow the instructions here step by step to get your certificate whether you are a foreign national living in South Africa or a South African citizen.
What is an Unabridged Birth Certificate?
The normal South African birth certificate provided by the Department of Home Affairs until April 2016 was the abridged version. An abridged birth certificate is just an outline of the original unabridged document. Compared to their unabridged counterparts, they thereby display significantly less detail. A South African unabridged birth certificate has more information. It displays the child’s entire name, birthdate, place of birth, ID number, gender, and information about both of their biological parents or legal guardians.
Difference Between Abridged and Unabridged Birth Certificate
The abridged birth certificate and unabridged birth certificate in South Africa differ from the provided information on the certificate and the uses. Check the following detailed comparison table to learn what are the differences between the two types of birth certificates.
| Birth Certificate Type | Provided Information | Apply for |
| Abridged Birth Certificate | Essential information about your birth, including your name, birth date, and place of birth. | Daily uses, like school enrolment, driving license application, etc. |
| Unabridged Birth Certificate | A comprehensive view of your birth details, including your personal information, the full names, and ID numbers of both of your biological parents or legal guardians. | Legal matters, like immigration, handling inheritances, resolving family-related legal proceedings, traveling internationally with a child, etc. |
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Who Needs an SA Unabridged Birth Certificate?
An unabridged birth certificate is required if you are a minor (under the age of 18) and intend to enter or exit South Africa. For domestic travel (such as travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town), you do not need it; however, you will need this formal document for international travel.
Additionally, a South African would frequently need the certificate for applications for visas, foreign marriages, and citizenship. Although some governments and nations do require them to be within a specific validity or age, the document often does not lapse or expire.
📢Read Also: How to Apply for Citizenship in South Africa
How to Get a South African Unabridged Birth Certificate Quickly
If you look for an online application process for South African birth certificates, you will undoubtedly come up empty-handed. Regretfully, the South African Department of Home Affairs requires that all applications for unabridged birth certificates be submitted in person. Check how to get a South African unabridged birth certificate if you are in South Africa or based abroad separately below.
- If you are in South Africa
Applicants in South Africa can apply for the unabridged birth certificate in the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. You need to prepare these documents:
- Your certified copy of your South African identity document
- Certified copies of the South African identity documents belonging to both biological parents
- BI-154 form completed (in black pen)
- If you are based abroad
If you are abroad, submit all of these documents at the South African mission, consulate, or embassy that is closest to you:
- Filled out Form BI-154
- Your ID (copies should be certified if you bring them), the application money, and your child’s ID if you’re applying using the shortened certificate.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Unabridged Certificate?
Note that the birth certificate is available for pickup may take anywhere from six to eight weeks (or even longer) after the application is filed. Unfortunately, this procedure may be longer, caused by a staffing shortage and the high demand for copies of papers.
Of course, if you’d rather, you might pay extra to have your unabridged birth certificate application handled by an online provider.
How Much Does an Unabridged Birth Certificate Cost?
Unabridged birth certificates are provided for free if the child’s birth is recorded within 30 days of the child’s birth; extra copies, on the other hand, are chargeable. Depending on the department, consulate, or mission utilized, these fees may change; in South Africa, they are now R75.00.
FAQ
Can I apply for a late birth certificate in South Africa?
Births registered more than 30 days after the day of birth are regarded as late registrations.
The Home Affairs website divides late birth registration into three categories: 1. Within thirty days but prior to a year. 2. One year later but before to seven years. 3. Following a span of seven years.
Applying for a late birth certificate is still possible as long as you have all the necessary paperwork ready.
Can a foreigner apply for a birth certificate in South Africa?
Yes. Persons who are South African citizens, whether they reside in the Republic or not, as well as non-South African nationals who temporarily or permanently visit the Republic for any reason, can request birth certificates.
What happens if your parents never registered your birth?
There won’t be a child’s permanent legal record if the parents don’t register the birth of their child. This will make it very difficult for the child to file taxes, get employment, or even acquire medical care. All things considered; registering is a crucial duty that will guarantee a child can lead a normal life.
The Bottom Line
An unabridged birth certificate is necessary for those who want to cope with several legal matters or travel abroad with their kids. You can follow the instructions mentioned before to apply for an unabridged birth certificate in South Africa. Just download the PDF of the application form and fill it out, prepare other required documents, and then go to the South African Department of Home Affairs (for South African citizens) or the South African mission, consulate, or embassy (for foreigners) to apply for the certificate.