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Form BI-1699 | Customary Marriage Registration South Africa

Last Updated: August 28, 2026|Reviewed By: Home Affairs Editorial Team|Fact-checked against official DHA and Other Official Sources|Not affiliated with the DHA

Form BI-1699 | Customary Marriage Registration South Africa

What Is Form BI-1699?

Form BI-1699 — also referred to as Form DHA-1699 — is the Department of Home Affairs application form for registering a customary marriage in South Africa.

Its full name is: Application for Registration / Inquiry into the Existence of a Customary Marriage.

It is used to:

  • Register a customary marriage at DHA
  • Make a formal inquiry into whether a customary marriage exists or existed — for example, after a spouse’s death

The form is completed at the DHA office on the day of registration. You do not need to bring a pre-filled form.

Can I Download Form BI-1699?

No. Form BI-1699 is not available for public download from the DHA website. You collect and complete it at:

  • Any DHA Home Affairs live capture office in South Africa
  • A designated traditional leader in areas where there is no DHA office

What Else Do You Need Alongside BI-1699?

Form BI-1699 is not the only form required. You must also complete:

Form DHA-31 — Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage. This is a separate declaration completed alongside BI-1699 at the DHA office.

Both forms are completed at the office on the day of registration. DHA staff will guide you through both.

What Happens After You Submit BI-1699?

Once you submit Form BI-1699 and DHA processes your application:

  1. DHA issues Form BI-1700 — an acknowledgement of receipt. This is given to you on the day of registration. Keep it safely.
  2. Your customary marriage is captured in the National Population Register.
  3. An abridged marriage certificate is issued once processing is complete.
  4. An unabridged marriage certificate — for overseas use, immigration, or apostille — takes 6 to 8 weeks and must be applied for separately.

See the unabridged marriage certificate guide for how to apply.

Who Must Be Present When Submitting BI-1699

  • Both spouses (with valid SA Smart ID cards or green barcoded ID books)
  • At least one witness from the bride’s family
  • At least one witness from the groom’s family
  • If either spouse was a minor at the time of the marriage, their parents should also attend

Supporting Documents to Bring

  • Valid SA Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book for both spouses
  • Lobola agreement or letter — if available (not compulsory but strongly recommended)
  • Affidavits from family witnesses if no lobola letter exists
  • Any other evidence of the customary ceremony — photographs, family correspondence
  • Divorce decree or death certificate of previous spouse if either party was previously married

Registration Is Free

Registration of a customary marriage using Form BI-1699 is free of charge. There is no DHA fee for the registration itself. Fees apply only when applying for certificates afterwards — the abridged certificate is issued at no charge; the unabridged certificate costs approximately R75.

The August 2026 Deadline

If your customary marriage took place after 15 November 2000 and has not yet been registered, the special DHA registration window closes on 31 August 2026. Submit Form BI-1699 before this date.

See the full Customary Marriage Registration guide for complete details on the process, requirements, and what happens after registration.

Related Guides and Forms

DHA Contact Details

DHA Contact Centre0800 60 11 90
DHA Emailhacc@dha.gov.za
Appointment bookingservices.dha.gov.za

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