If you have no birth certificate because a parent has died, cannot be found or will not take part, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) still has a route. Which route depends on who is missing and how old the child is. This page explains each situation and what DHA has said about it.
In Summary
- A parent has died: bring the certified death certificate. If both parents have died, a next of kin or legal guardian registers the birth.
- A child was abandoned: a social worker gives DHA the notice after a Children’s Act inquiry, within 60 days of the court order.
- The unmarried father is absent: DHA must still consider the application if a parent cannot attend, following the Naki ruling.
- We could not confirm a general DNA route or any special affidavit for absent fathers.
A Parent Has Died
According to the Legal Resources Centre’s birth registration guide, a certified death certificate for the deceased parent is needed. If both parents have died, the next of kin or a legal guardian registers the birth and brings the clinic card or other proof of birth plus their own documents. If the birth is late, the interview route applies, which we explain in our late birth registration interview guide.
A Child Was Abandoned or the Parents Cannot Be Traced
DHA told Parliament in June 2025 that for abandoned children, a social worker gives notice under section 12 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act after a Children’s Act inquiry. The social worker submits form DHA-24 within 60 days of the court order, with the court order, the social worker’s ID and report, and any parent documents. If a parent is traced later, the particulars can be corrected by the Director-General.
The Unmarried Father Is Absent
Unmarried parents are normally both expected to appear. Following the Constitutional Court interim remedy in the Naki case, DHA must still consider an application where a parent cannot attend, as GroundUp explains. A father can register a child under his surname by sworn written acknowledgement of paternity, according to ProBono. Bring a written explanation of why the other parent is absent and any proof you have.
When DHA Asks for a DNA Test
DHA may ask for a DNA test where one parent is not South African and the parents are unmarried. The client pays. We found no source for a general DNA route that applies to every absent father. See our DNA test guide.
Who Can Register After 30 Days
The LRC guide says only citizens, permanent residents and refugees can register after 30 days. This comes from one source, so confirm it with your office.
If Your Record Is Blocked or Wrong
If an ID number is blocked or a duplicate record exists, see our blocked ID guide.
What We Could Not Confirm
- Whether form DHA-288 can serve as an affidavit for an absent unmarried father. DHA documents it as the informant affidavit in late registration.
- Any official DHA rule for registering when the mother has died and the father is unknown, beyond the guardian route above.
- Fees beyond the free first unabridged certificate.
What You Cannot Do
- You cannot register a birth without proof of identity of the person registering.
- You cannot assume the other parent must attend. Explain the absence in writing instead.
- You cannot rely on advice from agents or insiders. DHA does not charge for the first unabridged certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a birth certificate if my mother has died?
Yes. Bring her certified death certificate. If both parents have died, a next of kin or legal guardian registers the birth with proof of birth such as a clinic card.
Can I register a birth if the father is absent?
Yes. DHA must still consider an application if a parent cannot attend, following the Naki ruling. Bring a written explanation and any proof of the birth.
What happens if a child was abandoned?
A social worker gives DHA notice under section 12 after a Children’s Act inquiry and submits form DHA-24 within 60 days of the court order, with the court order and the social worker’s report.
Does DHA require a DNA test when a parent is absent?
DHA may ask for one where one parent is not South African and the parents are unmarried, and the client pays. We found no general DNA rule for every absent father.
Can a father register a child under his surname?
ProBono says a father can do so by sworn written acknowledgement of paternity. Confirm the exact steps with your DHA office.
Who can register a birth after 30 days?
The LRC guide says citizens, permanent residents and refugees can register after 30 days. This is from one source, so confirm with your office.
Is there an interview if the birth is registered late?
Yes, for registrations after the first year. The applicant and informant are interviewed separately by a DHA screening committee.
How much does it cost to get a birth certificate when a parent is missing?
The first unabridged birth certificate is free according to gov.za. We could not confirm other fees, so ask your DHA office.
What if both parents are dead or unknown?
A next of kin, legal guardian or social worker registers the birth. The route depends on whether the parents are dead or the child was abandoned.