What is the BI-154 form and when do I need it?

The BI-154 (also called DHA-154), officially titled "Application for Birth Certificate", is the prescribed form used to request a copy of an existing birth certificate from the South African Department of Home Affairs. You need this form when you require a replacement birth certificate, an additional certified copy, or a different type of certificate (e.g. unabridged instead of abridged). This is NOT the form for registering a new birth — for that you need the BI-24.

What is the difference between the BI-154 and the BI-24?

The BI-24 is used to register a NEW birth with the Department of Home Affairs — it creates the birth record in the National Population Register. The BI-154 is used to request a COPY of an existing birth certificate from a birth that has already been registered. If the birth was never registered, you must first use the BI-24 to register it before you can use the BI-154 to request certificate copies.

What types of birth certificates can I apply for using the BI-154?

The BI-154 allows you to apply for four types of birth certificate: (1) Unabridged Certificate — the full certificate including both parents' details, required for passports, international travel with minors, and school enrolment; (2) Abridged Certificate — a shorter version sufficient for most domestic purposes; (3) Certified copy of Birth Register (vault copy) — a certified copy of the original register entry, typically required for legal proceedings; (4) Handwritten abridged certificate — a manually prepared version of the abridged certificate.

Do I need an unabridged birth certificate for my child to travel internationally?

Yes. Under the 2014 Immigration Regulations (as amended), parents or guardians travelling internationally with children under 18 must carry an unabridged birth certificate showing the details of both parents. This applies to all international travel from South Africa. Airlines and border officials strictly enforce this requirement. If you only have an abridged birth certificate, you must apply for an unabridged certificate using the BI-154 well in advance of your travel date — processing takes 8 to 12 weeks.

How much does a birth certificate copy cost?

Most BI-154 applications cost R75 — this applies to unabridged certificates, standard abridged copies, and vault copies. The R20 fee applies only to the basic handwritten or computer-printed abridged option. Payment is made at the Home Affairs office when you submit the form. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate using the BI-154?

Expect 8 to 12 weeks between applying and receiving the certificate from the Department of Home Affairs. Unabridged certificates may take longer due to verification at the Central Records office in Pretoria. Delays are common during peak periods. There is no express or expedited service available — apply at least 12 to 16 weeks before you need the certificate to allow for potential delays.

Where do I submit the BI-154 form?

You submit the completed BI-154 at any Department of Home Affairs office in South Africa. The office nearest to where the birth was originally registered may be able to process the application faster. If you are outside South Africa, you can apply through the nearest South African embassy or consulate. The process cannot be done online — in-person submission is required because your original ID document must be presented for verification.

What documents do I need to apply for a birth certificate copy?

You need the completed BI-154 form, your original South African ID document (Smart ID card or valid ID book) for verification, payment of the prescribed fee (R75 for most types; R20 for basic handwritten abridged only), and the birth entry number or previous certificate reference (if available). If applying on behalf of someone who is not your child, you may need a Power of Attorney. You must also know the full names and ID numbers of both parents as they appear on the original birth register.

Why do I need to provide a reason for my application on the BI-154?

Providing the reason for your application is compulsory under Section 29(2) 9(b) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (Act 51 of 1992). Common reasons include passport application, international travel with a minor, school enrolment, visa application, legal proceedings, or replacement of a lost or damaged certificate. Leaving this field blank will cause your application to be returned.

Can I apply for someone else's birth certificate?

Yes. You can apply for a birth certificate on behalf of another person. On the BI-154 form, you must indicate your relationship to the person concerned: Father/Parent A, Mother/Parent B, Legal guardian, Social Worker or Authority officer (with case number), or Other. If you are not a parent or legal guardian, you may need to provide a Power of Attorney or other authorisation documents.

What if the person's details on the BI-154 don't match the Home Affairs records?

If the details you provide on the BI-154 (name, date of birth, parents' details) do not match the records held by the Department of Home Affairs, your application will be rejected or delayed. This commonly happens when names were misspelled at the time of original registration, or when parents' details were recorded differently. If there are discrepancies, you may need to first apply for an amendment to the birth record using the DHA-195 form before requesting the certificate.

Is my personal information safe when using FillMeIn to fill the BI-154?

Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your personal information, ID numbers, family details, and all form data never leave your phone or computer — nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. This privacy-first approach means your sensitive family information stays under your control at all times. You can fill the form offline and your data remains on your device even after generating the PDF.

BI-154 — Birth Certificate Copy / Replacement

Department of Home Affairs · Verified 18 April 2026