Note: The Department of Home Affairs has launched an online booking system for some offices. For list of offices visit http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices/1557-branch-appointment-booking…. To book an appointment go to https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.

If you are 16 years and older, you may apply for identity document (ID). You will need an ID to register for your matric exams, get a driving licence or open a bank account.

If you get your ID and there are errors in the personal information, the Department of Home Affairs will replace your ID free of charge.

You can apply to have your ID re-issued:

if you are married and want to assume the surname of your spouse.
if you are a woman and want to apply for a new ID using any of your previous surnames
if your ID book has been lost, stolen or damaged.
The Department of Home Affairs is replacing the green ID book with a smart ID card. It will be done over eight years starting in 2014, so you will not necessarily get an ID card when you now apply. If you already have an ID, you will be invited to apply for the ID card.

Find out more about getting an identity document or contact the Department of Home Affairs.

Temporary identitity certificate
If your application for an identity document will not be completed in time for you to be able to vote, you can apply for a temporary identity certificate (TIC). The TIC will cost R70-00. You will need:

ID number for verification
2 ID photos

You can apply to have to information on the population register amended to:

reregister a child born out of wedlock if the parents later marry
insert the biological father’s particulars in the birth register of a child born out of wedlock
insert a forename or surname in a birth register of a person registered without a forename or surname
alter a forename
alter the surname of a minor
assume a different surname
change your gender
rectify the date of birth, gender or place of birth.

You automatically qualify for South African citizenship if:

you are born in South Africa and at least one of your parents is a South African citizen or a SA permanent residency permit holder if you are adopted by a South African citizen. You can apply for South African citizenship by descent or naturalisation.

You can also apply to retain your citizenship before you obtain citizenship of another country. Unless you have been granted retention of citizenship before acquiring citizenship of another country, you will lose your SA citizenship automatically.

You may apply to have your South African citizenship reinstated if you are a former citizen by birth or descent and you have returned to South Africa permanently.

You may renounce your South African citizenship if you intend getting citizenship of another country.
You may apply to be exempted from loss of citizenship if you acquired the citizen of another country before 6 October 1995.

Note: The Department of Home Affairs has launched an online booking system for some offices. For list of offices visit http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices/1557-branch-appointment-booking-system-babs-available-offices. To book an appointment go to https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.

You need a passport if you want to travel abroad.

A passport is a document issued by a national government for international travel and it certifies the identity and nationality of the holder.
You must have a South African identity document to apply for a passport, or if you are a child, a birth certificate.
If you are travelling on official government business, you may apply for an official passport. Diplomats get a diplomatic passport.

Find out more about passport or travel documents or contact the Department of Home Affairs.

If your documents originate in South Africa and will be used in another country they must first be "authenticated" or "legalised". This is a process in which various seals are placed on the document so they will be recognised as legal documents in other countries.

The Legalisation Section at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation can issue the relevant Apostille Certificate or Certificate of Authentication subject to the following rules:

The documents are still valid.
You must advise the Legalisation Section in which country the document will be used to allow the section to determine if an Apostille or Authentication Certificate is required.
Depending on the type of documentation, you may first have to get the documentation stamped/signed by the appropriate department or institution; by a magistrate, an additional magistrate or assistant magistrate; or a registrar or an assistant registrar of the High Court of South Africa before the Legalisation Section can issue the relevant Apostille or Authentication Certificate.
The following documents are not accepted:

Abridged documents or computer printouts.
Certified copies of marriage, birth, death or police clearance certificates.
Certified copies of certificates of marital status (no impediment) or proof of citizenship.
Certified copies of travel documents or identity documents.
Documents legalised by commissioners of oath to be true copies of the original must be taken to a public notary (an attorney who is registered at the High Court).
Read more about legalisation of official documents, contact the Legalisation Section at telephone number 012 351 1726 or e-mail legalisation@dirco.gov.za.