Birth Registration Application

For newborn children and children younger than fifteen (15) years of age.

For children 15 years of age and older, please see "Late Birth Registration".

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 BI-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 BI-24 - Birth registration application, fully completed
  2. Form BI-529 - Any one of the South African parents
  3. Form CON 40 - Affidavit regarding citizenship or nationality of another country
  4. Certified copy of the child’s foreign birth certificate (showing names of both parents)
  5. Certified copy of marriage certificate of parents – if applicable
  6. Certified copies of parent/s identity documents or passports (only page with biological data)
  7. Fully completed passport application for child (if in need).

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

Forms may be down loaded from www.sahc.org.au.

Return Postage

  • For applications originating from within Australia – a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family) OR a Postal Money Order or Bank Cheque for the amount of AUD 10.00 made payable to the South African High Commission.
  • For applications originating from outside Australia a Bank Draft for the amount of AUD 10.00 made payable to the South African High Commission. (Fee covers whole family/group)

Personal cheques or credit cards are NOT accepted.

Postal Address:

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 passport photographs. Clear (plain or color), 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 18.00

Return Postage:

  • For applications originating from within Australia – a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family) OR a Postal Money Order or Bank Cheque for the amount of AUD 10.00 made payable to the South African High Commission.
  • For applications originating from outside Australia a Bank Draft for the amount of AUD 10.00 made payable to the South African High Commission.
  • Personal cheques or credit cards are NOT accepted.

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