Passport renewal in South Africa
Renewing a South African passport generally involves completing an application form, providing necessary identification and previous passport, and submitting biometric data at a Department of Home Affairs office or a South African mission abroad. The process may also require fingerprinting and a new photograph.
Most people are advised to begin the renewal process several months before their current passport's expiry date. This allows ample time for securing an appointment at a Department of Home Affairs office or a South African mission, processing the application, and accounting for any potential delays. Processing times can vary, especially for applications submitted outside of South Africa.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time is suggested to accommodate potential waiting periods for appointments at DHA offices or missions, processing times which can vary, and shipping if applying from abroad. Actual processing times can be shorter or longer.
The process
- 1Obtain the required application form (DHA-73) from a DHA office, a South African mission, or in some cases, download it from the official website.
- 2Complete the application form accurately, ensuring all sections are filled.
- 3Gather all necessary supporting documents, which typically include the expiring passport, a certified copy of the applicant's ID or birth certificate, and proof of citizenship if required.
- 4Have new passport-sized photographs taken according to DHA specifications.
- 5Book an appointment at a Department of Home Affairs office or a South African mission abroad, if required by the specific office.
- 6Submit the completed application form, supporting documents, and photographs in person, providing biometric data (fingerprints) as required.
- 7Pay the prescribed application fee at the time of submission.
- 8Collect the new passport once notified that it is ready, usually from the same office where the application was submitted.
What to bring
- Original expiring South African passport
- Completed passport application form (DHA-73)
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document (ID) or birth certificate (for minors)
- Two recent, identical passport-sized colour photographs (DHA-compliant specifications)
- Proof of South African citizenship, if applicable (e.g., naturalization certificate)
- Parental consent and unabridged birth certificate for minor applicants
Who handles it
Department of Home Affairs (DHA), South Africa / Departement van Binnelandse Sake (DHA), Suid-Afrika
The standard fee for a South African passport is currently R400, as stated by the Department of Home Affairs. For applications submitted outside South Africa, the fee will be the equivalent amount in local currency, which should be confirmed with the specific mission.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure photographs meet the strict DHA specifications (size, background, expression) to avoid rejection.
- Processing times can vary significantly, especially for applications submitted at missions abroad. It is advisable to inquire about current processing times when submitting the application.
- Applicants must apply in person to provide biometric data (fingerprints), even if submitting forms online or by mail where allowed.
- For minors, specific additional requirements apply, such as parental consent and an unabridged birth certificate.
Sources
- dha.gov.za
- Application for Passport dha.gov.za
Other documents in South Africa
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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