Form DHA-24 — Notice of Birth
This form cannot be downloaded. Form DHA-24 contains a unique barcode. It must be collected from the hospital, a DHA branch, or a South African embassy or consulate. It cannot be printed from home.
What Is Form DHA-24?
Form DHA-24 — also referred to as BI-24 — is the official Department of Home Affairs notice of birth form. It is the document used to register the birth of a newborn baby and enter the child into South Africa’s National Population Register (NPR).
South African law requires every birth to be registered within 30 days under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992. Form DHA-24 is the instrument through which this registration happens.
A child cannot receive a South African ID number, birth certificate, or passport without a completed and processed DHA-24 on record.
Who Completes Form DHA-24?
At a registered hospital or clinic: The attending nurse, midwife, or medical practitioner completes the medical sections of the form. The parent or informant then completes the personal details sections and signs the form. Most hospitals have a dedicated DHA official stationed on site or visit the maternity ward regularly — the registration happens at the hospital.
At a DHA branch: If the birth was not registered at the hospital, or the hospital did not have a DHA official present, a parent, guardian, or other responsible person can complete DHA-24 at any DHA branch office within 30 days of birth.
At a South African mission abroad: Parents who are South African citizens and give birth outside South Africa must register the birth with their nearest South African embassy or consulate using DHA-24 (collected from the mission).
Why Form DHA-24 Cannot Be Downloaded
Each DHA-24 form carries a unique barcode generated by the DHA system. The barcode links to the specific registration record for that child. A form printed without this barcode would have no record attached and would be rejected.
The form must be collected from:
- The maternity ward of a registered hospital (where DHA officials are stationed)
- Any DHA branch office
- A South African embassy or mission abroad (by appointment)
The 30-Day Rule
South African law requires births to be registered within 30 days. In practice, registration at the hospital happens within days of birth — the hospital’s DHA official processes the DHA-24 before the mother and child are discharged.
What happens if you miss the 30-day deadline? Late registration is still possible but the process becomes more complex:
- For children aged 1 to 15: Use Form DHA-24/1
- For persons aged 15 and older: Use Form DHA-288 and be prepared for a DHA investigation process
What Sections Does DHA-24 Cover?
Child’s details: Full name(s) to be registered, date of birth, place of birth, gender.
Parents’ details: Both parents’ full names, ID numbers, nationalities, and marital status. If the parents are married, the child can be registered under either or both parents’ surnames.
Surname: The surname under which the child is to be registered. If both parents consent, the child can take the father’s surname even if the parents are not married — both parents must be present and sign.
Acknowledgement of paternity: If the parents are not married, the biological father may acknowledge paternity on the DHA-24 form. Both the mother and father must be present to do this.
Declaration by informant: The person registering the birth (usually the parent) signs a declaration confirming all information is correct.
What Happens After DHA-24 Is Submitted?
- DHA processes the registration and assigns the child a South African ID number
- An unabridged birth certificate is issued — typically within a day or two at the hospital
- The abridged birth certificate can be applied for separately using Form DHA-154 if needed
The unabridged birth certificate issued after initial registration is free of charge. Subsequent copies cost R75.
Documents Needed to Register a Birth
Both parents present (married):
- Both parents’ original South African IDs
- Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
Both parents present (unmarried, father acknowledging paternity):
- Both parents’ original South African IDs
Mother only (father absent or unknown):
- Mother’s original South African ID
- The child will be registered under the mother’s surname unless both parents consent to the father’s surname
One parent is a foreign national:
- South African parent’s ID
- Foreign parent’s passport
- Marriage certificate if applicable
Common Questions About DHA-24
Can grandparents or other relatives register a birth? Yes, under specific circumstances. Another responsible person can register a birth if both parents are unable to attend, but this requires a written explanation and may prompt a more detailed review by the DHA official.
Does a home birth require DHA-24? Yes. All births in South Africa must be registered regardless of where they occur. For home births, the parents must visit a DHA branch within 30 days with proof of birth (midwife’s record, clinic card, or supporting affidavit).
What if the parents disagree on the child’s surname? The default position under South African law is that the child is registered under the mother’s surname if the parents are unmarried, or under either parent’s surname if they are married. A dispute requires resolution before the DHA-24 can be submitted.
Related Forms
- Form DHA-24/1 — Notice of Birth (children 1–15 years) — for registering a child who was not registered at birth
- Form DHA-288 — Late Birth Registration (15 years and older) — for adults who have never been registered
- Form DHA-154 — Application for Birth Certificate Copy — for obtaining additional copies of a birth certificate
- Form DHA-1682 — Insertion of Natural Father’s Particulars — for adding a father’s details after registration
Related Guides
- Birth Certificates — Complete Hub
- How to Register a Birth in South Africa
- Unabridged Birth Certificate — Complete Guide
- All DHA Forms — Complete Hub