Form DHA-24/1 — Notice of Birth (Children 1 to 15 Years)
This form cannot be downloaded. Form DHA-24/1 contains a unique barcode and must be collected from a DHA branch office or South African mission abroad. It cannot be printed from home.
What Is Form DHA-24/1?
Form DHA-24/1 is the Department of Home Affairs notice of birth form used to register the birth of a child between 1 and 15 years of age who was not registered at the time of birth.
South African law requires births to be registered within 30 days of birth. When this does not happen:
- For children aged 1 to 15: Form DHA-24/1 applies
- For persons aged 15 and older: Form DHA-288 applies, along with a DHA investigation process
Why Form DHA-24/1 Cannot Be Downloaded
Like Form DHA-24, each DHA-24/1 contains a unique barcode linked to the specific application. The form must be collected at a DHA branch or South African mission.
What the Process Involves for Children 1 to 15 Years
Late registration for children in this age range requires more documentation than a standard newborn registration, but is less complex than the adult late registration process (DHA-288). The parent or guardian must:
- Visit a DHA branch to collect the DHA-24/1 form
- Complete the form with the child’s personal details and parents’ details
- Submit the form with supporting documents at the DHA branch
DHA will verify the information against available records. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Documents Required
- Completed Form DHA-24/1 (collected at DHA branch)
- Both parents’ original South African IDs and certified copies
- Marriage certificate if parents are married (original and certified copy)
- Any existing documentation about the child: clinic card, hospital birth record, school records, Road to Health card
- Affidavit explaining why the birth was not registered within 30 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the child was born at home and there are no hospital records? Submit whatever documentary evidence exists. School records, a clinic card, or a Road to Health card are all helpful. In the absence of records, the affidavit becomes the primary evidence and processing may take longer as DHA investigates.
Is there a fee for DHA-24/1 registrations? Standard birth registration is free of charge, including for late registrations under DHA-24/1.
Related Forms
- Form DHA-24 — Notice of Birth (newborns within 30 days)
- Form DHA-288 — Late Birth Registration (15 years and older)
- Form DHA-154 — Application for Birth Certificate Copy