Form DHA-130 — Application for a Marriage Certificate
If the link above does not open: Visit dha.gov.za and search for DHA-130. Also referred to as BI-130.
What Is Form DHA-130?
Form DHA-130 — also called BI-130 — is the official Department of Home Affairs application form for obtaining a copy of a South African marriage certificate. It is used to apply for either an abridged marriage certificate or an unabridged (full) marriage certificate.
This form does not register a marriage. It is used after the marriage has already taken place and been registered, when you need a copy of the certificate for official purposes.
Abridged vs Unabridged Marriage Certificate
Abridged marriage certificate: The short-form computer printout. Contains the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the marriage registration number. Accepted for most domestic purposes in South Africa.
Unabridged marriage certificate: The full certificate showing both spouses’ complete details including ID numbers, nationalities, places of birth, and parents’ names. Required for immigration applications, foreign visa applications, dual citizenship applications, and emigration processes.
You specify which you need on Form DHA-130. If in doubt, request the unabridged version.
When Do You Need Form DHA-130?
- You have lost your original marriage certificate
- You need an unabridged copy but only have the abridged version
- A foreign institution (embassy, immigration authority) has requested a new certified original
- You are applying for immigration or permanent residence and need the full marriage certificate
- Your name on your existing certificate contains an error and you need a corrected version
How to Complete Form DHA-130
Complete in black ink, block letters.
Husband’s details: Full name (at time of marriage), ID number, and date of birth.
Wife’s details: Full name (at time of marriage, including maiden surname), ID number, and date of birth.
Date of marriage: The exact date the marriage was solemnised.
Place of marriage: The church, magistrate’s office, or other venue where the marriage was registered.
Type of certificate requested: Tick abridged or unabridged.
Purpose: Briefly state why you need the certificate.
Signature: Sign before submitting. DHA-130 does not require a witnessed signature in the way that ID application forms do.
Documents to Bring With Your DHA-130
- Completed Form DHA-130
- Your original South African ID (Smart ID or green ID book)
- Certified copy of your ID
- If available: your existing marriage certificate or its registration number (speeds up the process significantly)
If applying on behalf of a deceased spouse’s estate:
- A letter of authority from the executor of the estate
- Your own original ID and certified copy
Fees (2026)
| Certificate type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Abridged marriage certificate | R75 |
| Unabridged marriage certificate | R75 |
Processing Time
Applications submitted in person at a DHA branch: typically 6 to 8 weeks, though some offices issue the abridged certificate within a few days if the record is readily accessible.
Applications submitted at a South African mission abroad: allow 3 to 6 months.
Checking Your Marriage Status by SMS
If you only need to confirm your marital status — not obtain a physical certificate — you can SMS the letter M followed by your ID number (example: M 5001010050080) to 32551. DHA will reply with your marital status and date of marriage.
This SMS service is free for verification purposes but does not constitute an official certificate.
Common Mistakes on DHA-130
Using wife’s current surname instead of maiden name. The wife’s name at the time of marriage is required — if she changed her surname after the wedding, use the name recorded on the original marriage certificate, not her current name.
Not knowing the registration details. Without the date, place, and at least one party’s ID number, DHA’s ability to locate the record quickly is reduced. Dig out any existing paperwork before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
My marriage was conducted by a church — is it registered with DHA? Religious marriages conducted by a registered marriage officer are submitted to DHA for registration. If the marriage officer was registered with DHA at the time, your marriage should be on record. If you are unsure, use the SMS service above to check your marital status.
I was married in another country — can I get a South African marriage certificate? No. DHA only issues certificates for marriages registered in South Africa. For foreign marriages, you need the certificate from the issuing country’s civil registration authority. For South African immigration purposes, foreign marriage certificates require apostille authentication and sworn translation if not in English.
Can I register a foreign marriage with DHA? Yes. South Africans who marry abroad can register the marriage with DHA. This is handled through the DHA Amendments division — speak to a DHA official about the specific process and supporting documents required.
Related Forms
- Form DHA-31 — Declaration for Purpose of Marriage — required for foreign nationals marrying in South Africa
- Form DHA-1736 — Marriage Register Form — the form completed at the time of marriage
- Form DHA-196 — Surname Change After Marriage — for changing your surname after getting married
Related Guides
- How to Get a Marriage Certificate in South Africa
- How to Change Your Name After Marriage
- All DHA Forms — Complete Hub