Form DHA-526 — Application for Gender Marker Change
If the link above does not open: Visit dha.gov.za and search for DHA-526. Also referred to as BI-526.
What Is Form DHA-526?
Form DHA-526 is the official Department of Home Affairs application form for altering the sex description (gender marker) on South African identity documents. It is authorised under section 7B of the Births, Marriages and Deaths Registration Act (as amended by the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act, Act 49 of 2003).
This form allows a person who has undergone medical intervention to alter their sex characteristics, or whose gender identity does not correspond to their assigned sex at birth, to have their identity documents updated to reflect their correct gender.
Legal Basis
The Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act 49 of 2003 is the legislation that governs gender marker changes in South Africa. It provides for two pathways:
Section 2(1)(a) — Medical intervention pathway: A person who has undergone surgical or hormonal treatment resulting in the alteration of their sex characteristics may apply.
Section 2(1)(b) — Gender identity pathway: A person who has a gender identity that does not correspond to their sex description at birth may apply, even without medical intervention, through the Intersex and Transgender category.
Both pathways use Form DHA-526 but require different medical documentation.
When Do You Need Form DHA-526?
You need Form DHA-526 to:
- Change your sex description from male to female on your South African identity documents
- Change your sex description from female to male
- Correct an intersex registration
- Update your ID number, which in South Africa encodes gender in the 7th digit
Often submitted alongside Form DHA-85 to also change forenames to match the new gender marker.
How to Complete Form DHA-526
Complete in black ink, block letters.
Personal details: Your full name exactly as on your current ID, your ID number, date of birth, and current sex description.
Proposed sex description: The sex description you are applying to have recorded — male or female.
Pathway: Indicate whether your application is under section 2(1)(a) (medical intervention) or section 2(1)(b) (gender identity).
Medical details: If applying under the medical pathway, indicate the type of medical intervention undertaken. You will attach medical reports separately — do not include clinical details on the form itself.
Declaration: Sign in the presence of the DHA official receiving your application.
Documents Required for DHA-526
Both pathways:
- Completed Form DHA-526
- Original South African ID (Smart ID card or green ID book)
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
Section 2(1)(a) — Medical intervention pathway:
- Medical report from a registered medical practitioner confirming the medical intervention undertaken and its nature
- The report must be on official letterhead, signed by the practitioner, and include their practice number
Section 2(1)(b) — Gender identity pathway:
- Medical report from a registered clinical psychologist or psychiatrist confirming your gender identity does not correspond to the sex description currently recorded
- In some cases, a second medical opinion is requested by DHA
Reports must be originals on official letterhead and signed by the practitioner. Photocopies of medical reports are not accepted.
What Happens After DHA-526 Is Approved?
Once DHA approves the application:
- Your sex description in the National Population Register is updated
- Your ID number is changed — the new ID number reflects the updated sex description
- A new Smart ID card is issued with the new name (if DHA-85 was submitted simultaneously) and new sex marker
- Your birth certificate is reissued with the updated sex description
Note on the ID number change: South African ID numbers encode birth year, month, day, and gender (digit 7: 0–4 female, 5–9 male). Changing your sex description means your ID number changes entirely. You will need to update your ID number with SARS, banks, the DLTC, medical aid, and all other institutions.
Common Challenges
Medical report content. DHA has at various times requested specific wording or specific practitioner qualifications. If your application is returned for additional information, contact the DHA Amendments branch directly to clarify exactly what is needed.
DHA officer awareness. Not all DHA branch officials are fully trained on the gender marker change process. If you experience confusion or resistance at a branch level, you can request to escalate to the branch manager or contact the DHA Contact Centre on 0800 60 11 90.
Processing time. Gender marker change applications are processed at a regional or national level, not at the branch. Processing typically takes 3 to 6 months. There is no fast track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have had surgery to apply? No. The 2003 Act specifically provides for a gender identity pathway that does not require surgical intervention. A supporting report from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist confirming your gender identity is the key requirement for the non-medical pathway.
Can I change my gender marker and name at the same time? Yes. Submit Form DHA-526 (gender marker) and Form DHA-85 (forename change) together at the same appointment. DHA will process both together and issue a single new ID reflecting both changes.
Will my marriage status change? Not automatically. If you are married, your marriage remains registered. The sex description change does not void a civil marriage. However, this is a legally complex area — consult a lawyer if you have specific concerns.
Will my existing documents (passport, driver’s licence) be automatically updated? No. After your new Smart ID is issued with the new sex description and name, you must separately apply for a new passport (Form DHA-73) and update your driver’s licence at a DLTC, and update SARS, banks, medical aids, and UIF records.
Support Resources
The DHA process for gender marker changes can be difficult to navigate. Organisations that provide guidance and support include:
- Gender DynamiX — genderdynamix.org.za
- Triangle Project — triangle.org.za
- Iranti — iranti.org.za
These organisations can provide guidance on completing the application, navigating the DHA process, and understanding your rights.
Related Forms
- Form DHA-85 — Alteration of Forename(s) — submitted alongside DHA-526 for a name change
- Form DHA-196 — Surname Change — if also changing surname
- Form DHA-73 — Passport Application — for updating your passport after the gender marker change is processed
Related Guides
- Gender Marker and Name Change at Home Affairs
- How to Change Your Name at Home Affairs
- All DHA Forms — Complete Hub