No Queues
We prepare and lodge your application, so you do not spend days at Home Affairs.
01Home Affairs Documents
Unabridged Birth Certificate Applications in South Africa
Born before 2013, or only have the old abridged certificate? Embassies, foreign governments and many authorities need the full unabridged version. We apply to Home Affairs for you, track the application and keep you updated until it is in your hands.
One point of contact from your first enquiry to your finished certificate, from our offices in Cape Town, Rivonia and Pretoria.
02Abridged vs Unabridged
Why the Short Certificate Is Not Enough
An abridged birth certificate is the short version that shows only your own details. The unabridged certificate is the full record of your birth registration, including both parents’ details.
Home Affairs has issued the unabridged version as standard at birth registration since March 2013, and since 2016 it has simply been called a birth certificate. If you were born before then, there is a good chance you only have the abridged version, which many authorities outside South Africa will not accept.
You will usually need one for
- Visa applications, including for children
- Emigration and permanent residence abroad
- Citizenship or a passport through a parent
- Apostille or legalisation for use abroad
- Marriage applications in another country
- Correcting or updating your records
03Vault Copies
Asked for a Vault Copy Instead?
Some authorities, particularly for citizenship by descent and ancestry applications, ask for a vault copy: a copy of the original birth register entry kept in Home Affairs’ archives. It is a separate application from an unabridged certificate.
Tell us exactly which document the receiving authority has asked for, and we will apply for the right one the first time.
Good to know: Home Affairs generally quotes six to eight weeks for an unabridged certificate, but older records that need a manual search can take considerably longer, so start well before any deadline.
04Why Choose OVW Management Group?
Home Affairs, Handled for You
The Right Form, First Time
Errors on Form BI-154 cause delays. We check every detail before it is submitted.
Tracked Until Ready
We follow up with Home Affairs and keep you updated on progress.
Apostille When You Need It
Using it abroad? We can have your certificate apostilled by DIRCO once it is issued.
05What We Need From You
A Few Details to Get Started
Your ID
A copy of your South African ID book or smart ID card.
Old Certificate
Your abridged certificate if you have one. It helps trace your record.
Parents’ Details
Their full names and ID numbers, where available.
The Purpose
What the certificate is for, such as a visa or citizenship.
For a Child
The parents’ IDs and the child’s details.
06How It Works
Three Simple Steps
Tell Us What You Need
Share your details and what the certificate is for, so we apply for the right document.
We Apply and Track
We prepare and lodge your application with Home Affairs and follow it up.
Receive Your Certificate
We let you know when it is ready, and arrange an apostille if you need one.
07Frequently Asked Questions
Birth Certificate Questions
What is an unabridged birth certificate?
It is the full version of your South African birth certificate, showing your birth registration details together with both parents’ details. Since 2016, Home Affairs simply calls it a birth certificate.
I was born before 2013. Do I need a new birth certificate?
If you only have the short abridged certificate, many embassies, foreign governments and authorities will not accept it. You will usually need to apply for the unabridged version using Form BI-154.
How long does an unabridged birth certificate take?
Home Affairs generally quotes six to eight weeks. Older records that need a manual search can take considerably longer, so it is best to apply well before any deadline.
What is the difference between an unabridged birth certificate and a vault copy?
An unabridged certificate is a newly printed full certificate. A vault copy is a copy of the original birth register entry held in Home Affairs’ archives, which some authorities request for citizenship or ancestry applications.
Can my birth certificate be apostilled for use abroad?
Yes. Original unabridged birth certificates issued by Home Affairs can be apostilled or authenticated by DIRCO. We can arrange this once your certificate is issued.
08Get Started
Need Your Unabridged Birth Certificate?
Let OVW Management Group handle the Home Affairs application for you.
Using it abroad?How to Get an Apostille in South AfricaOVW Management Group is a private service provider and is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times are set by Home Affairs and can change.