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| Directorate: Identity documents |
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This Directorate is in terms of the provisions of section 25 of the Identification Act, 1997 (Act No 68 of 1997) responsible for the processing of identity documents in terms of the old Identification Act, 1986 (Act No 72 of 1986), despite the repeal thereof, to all South African citizens at the age of 16 years and older and to persons to whom permanent residence has been granted.
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Director
Mr. David Mamabolo |
[t] +27(0)12 810 8798
[f] +27(0)12 321 6708 |
Postal address
Private Bag X200
Pretoria
0001 |
Physical address
Co-operation Building
184 Jacob Mare Street
Pretoria |
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| Purpose |
 Identity documents are issued after receipt of an official application form and processing thereof, which enable holders to identify themselves for general purposes and day to day activities in society. Identity documents form an important part of each citizen's daily activities since all transactions, whether private or public, require positive identification. The issuing of identity documents is essential, as every country has to have some form of identification in respect of its citizens.
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The Directorate is divided into divisions, subdivisions and sections which perform the following functions:
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First Issues |
First Issues |
| Inquiries: |
[t] +27(0)12 314 8751
[f] +27(0)12 328 5505 |
This division attends to matters relating to initial applications for identity documents. The main task that is performed is the verification of personal particulars indicated on supporting documents such as birth certificates, applications for the late registration of birth, baptismal certificates, certificates from schools, hospitals, maternity homes, etc. against the particulars furnished on the application forms.
This documentation is also utilized to determine whether the applicant is indeed a South African citizen, a person to whom permanent residence has been granted, a person who has been exempt in terms of the Aliens Control Act, 1991 or whether he or she is a refugee.
An application form BI-9 is required for a first application.
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Reissues |
| | Inquiries: |
| | [t] +27(0)12 314 8718
[f] +27(0)12 328 5505 |
| Applications for the re-issue of identity documents have to be accompanied by two recent identical photographs of the applicant, R10-00 in cash (for which an official receipt must be obtained) or revenue stamps to the value of R10-00.
In the case of a departmental error, the re-issue will be free of charge. |
Identity documents are reissued to:
- Persons whose identity documents are lost, stolen or damaged
- Persons who applied for the change of personal particulars
- Persons whose citizenship status has changed
- A woman who entered into matrimony or would like to resume any of her previous surnames
- A person who is temporarily residing abroad and who has previously been in possession of an identity document
- An immigrant if the validity of his
permit for permanent residence has not yet expired
An application form BI-10 is required for the reissue of an identity document. In cases where an applicant's fingerprints have not yet been submitted/recorded in the Population Register, an application form BI-9 on which fingerprints are taken on the reverse side thereof, should simultaneously be submitted.
The necessary supporting documents to justify an application for the change of personal particulars in the Population Register should be attached to the above form(s) and the prescribed fees be paid, where applicable.
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Despatch |
| | Inquiries: |
| | [t] +27(0)12 314 8780
[f] +27(0)12 328 5505 |
Identity documents are returned to the offices where applications were lodged. It must be noted that identity documents are only posted to residential or private addresses on request provided that it is clearly indicated on the application form, and that postal delivery services are available in the required area. It should also be noted that identity documents are not posted by registered mail due to various reasons.
Unclaimed identity documents are destroyed for security reasons after a period of one year.
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Enquiries |
If an applicant's identity document is not received within or after the prescribed period of two months, the necessary enquiries must be made at the office of the Department where the application was lodged. The regional or district offices are equipped with terminals, which are linked to the Department's mainframe, and enquiries can therefore be made on the spot i.r.o. when an identity document was issued and posted as well as to where the document was posted to. To facilitate enquiries, the Acknowledgement of Receipt, (form BI-1151) which was issued at the time of application, should be produced to the official in attendance.
It is further
important to establish the above information of where
applications were lodged, as it is also possible that
applications could be returned to the said offices due to
insufficient information or lack of supporting documents. In
the event of specific problems being experienced or where long
delays occur, an appointment should be made with a senior
official or the Head of the Office concerned, for
investigation.
Alternatively, a fax message containing inquiry details can be faxed to the relevant section at the National Head Office.
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Duplicates |
Prior to 1 July 1986, when the taking of fingerprints of all population groups was not yet compulsory, it occurred that when two persons' forenames, surnames and date of birth were identical, both persons were then erroneously associated with the same birth register. This caused a situation were one identity number was allocated to two persons.
It also occurred that an applicant intentionally applied for a first identity document at two or more different offices at the same time with different personal particulars. The Department then consequently issued two identity documents with different particulars to the same person.
When a duplication comes to attention, it is immediately forwarded to the Department's Head Office for further action. The identity number is then immediately blocked on mainframe at Head Office (error code 093) and further steps are taken to resolve the matter.
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Rectifications |
| | Inquiries: |
| | [t] +27(0)12 314 8731
[f] +27(0)12 328 5505 |
A rectification can be described as an error that occurred in the Population Register due to a mistake made by the Department or by interpreting and/or entering details incorrectly. No fees are required for such rectifications. A rectification also includes the change of dates of birth and spelling of names and surnames where a birth has not been registered. Substantiating documentary proof in respect of an intended change of date of birth must be provided to facilitate consideration of such applications.
An application form BI-309 must be completed in respect of all applications for the rectification of personal particulars. The left and right thumb-prints of the applicant, the office's date stamp and the applicant's signature must be furnished in the spaces provided for this purpose.
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