Name or Surname Change is a significant personal decision, and the process is formally managed by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in South Africa. Whether you wish to update your surname due to marriage or divorce, change your first name, or amend your surname for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, the Department of Home Affairs provides a structured process. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process.
1. Determine the Type of Change
The first step in changing your name or surname is determining the reason behind the change. South African law categorizes name changes into two primary types:
Marriage or Divorce
For women, the name change due to marriage or divorce is relatively simple. You may:
Assume your spouse’s surname.
Revert to your maiden name.
Opt for a double-barreled surname that includes both your maiden name and your spouse’s surname.
While no formal application is required for these changes, you must notify the DHA to update your details in the Population Register.
Other Reasons
If you are changing your name or surname for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, you will need to follow a more formal procedure. This involves submitting an application, publishing the change in the Government Gazette, and obtaining approval from the Director-General of Home Affairs.
2. Obtain the Correct Application Form
To begin the name or surname change process, you will need to obtain the appropriate forms:
For Name Changes: If you wish to change your first name (forename), you will need to use Form BI-85.
For Surname Changes: If you are changing your surname, you will need to use Form BI-196 if you are an adult or Form BI-193 if you are a minor.
These forms are available for collection at any Home Affairs office across South Africa or can be downloaded from the official DHA website.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents
Once you have the necessary forms, you must gather the required supporting documents. These may include:
Certified copies of your birth certificate: This is essential to prove your identity and your original name.
Court orders or affidavits: If you are changing your name or surname for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, you must provide a statutory declaration, a court order, or an affidavit explaining the reason for the change.
Proof of payment: You will be required to pay an administrative fee for processing the name change. For surname changes, this is typically around R325.
4. Submit Your Application
After gathering all the required documents and completing the forms for the Name or Surname Change, you can submit your application. Applications can be submitted at:
Domestic Home Affairs offices: Visit any Home Affairs branch in South Africa.
South African embassies, missions, or consulates abroad: If you are living abroad, you can submit your application at the nearest South African mission.
Ensure that you bring the following documents with you when submitting your application:
The completed forms.
Certified copies of all supporting documents.
Proof of payment for the administrative fees.
5. Processing and Publication
Once your application has been submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will begin processing it. The DHA will first verify all the details and documents submitted. For surname changes, your application will be published in the Government Gazette to allow for a public objection period of 30 days. During this period, members of the public may raise any objections to the proposed name change.
If there are no objections within the 30-day period, the Director-General of Home Affairs will approve your application.
If objections are raised, the DHA will assess the validity of those objections before making a final decision.
Once your name change has been approved, you will be issued a certificate confirming the change.
6. Update Your Documents
After your name or surname change has been officially approved, you will need to update your documents. The following steps are essential:
Amended Birth Certificate: You must apply for an updated birth certificate reflecting your new name or surname.
Updated ID Card: After receiving your amended birth certificate, you will need to apply for a new ID card with the updated details.
Passport and Other Documents: Any other legal documents, such as passports, driving licenses, and bank records, should also be updated to reflect your new name.
Processing Time
The processing time for a name or surname change typically ranges from 3 to 9 months, depending on the complexity of the application and the completeness of the documents provided. It’s important to note that the verification process and publication in the Government Gazette can take time. You can track the progress of your application by following up with the DHA using the reference number issued at the time of application submission.
Key Considerations
Correct Documentation: Ensure that you submit the correct forms and all required supporting documents to avoid delays.
Publication in the Government Gazette: Be prepared for a waiting period of up to 30 days for objections to be raised. If there are no objections, the process will move smoothly.
Legal Costs: The administrative fee for a name change is typically R325, but you should inquire about any additional costs that may apply, particularly if the change is for special reasons (such as a court order).
Check also: What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft in South Africa
Name or Surname Change through the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa can seem like a lengthy process, but by following the steps outlined above and ensuring that all documentation is correctly submitted, you can navigate it smoothly. Whether it is due to marriage, divorce, personal preference, or other reasons, ensuring that your name is updated in official records is an essential step toward aligning your identity with your personal choices.
Keep in mind the processing time, and remember to follow up on the status of your application to ensure that it progresses without issues.
