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DHA-59: Amending Birth Records for Children

Form DHA-59 — Amendment of Birth Registration for Child Born Out of Wedlock

Last Updated: March 7, 2026|Reviewed By: Home Affairs Editorial Team|Fact-checked against official DHA and Other Official Sources|Not affiliated with the DHA

Download Form DHA-59

If the link above does not open: Visit dha.gov.za and search for DHA-59.

What Is Form DHA-59?

Form DHA-59 is the Department of Home Affairs application form for amending the birth registration of a child born out of wedlock. It is used when a change needs to be made to the registered details of a child whose parents were not married at the time of birth.

The Births and Deaths Registration Act governs which amendments can be made and under what circumstances.

When Do You Need Form DHA-59?

Form DHA-59 is used when:

  • The parents of a child born out of wedlock have since married, and the child’s registration needs to be updated to reflect the parents’ current married status and surname if applicable
  • Incorrect details were recorded on the original birth registration
  • The child’s surname needs to be changed to reflect the father’s surname following acknowledgement of paternity (where not recorded at time of registration)

For adding a father’s name to the birth register (where the father was not recorded at all), use Form DHA-1682 instead.

Documents Required

  • Completed Form DHA-59
  • Child’s original birth certificate and certified copy
  • Both parents’ original South African IDs and certified copies
  • Marriage certificate (if the parents have since married — original and certified copy)
  • Court order if applicable
  • Affidavit if any of the required documents are unavailable

Fees (2026)

ApplicationFee
Amendment of birth registrationR75

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DHA-59 and DHA-1682? DHA-59 is for amending existing registration details for a child born out of wedlock — for example, updating the child’s surname or correcting recorded information. DHA-1682 is specifically for inserting the natural father’s particulars into the birth register where the father was not recorded at all.

Both parents need to be present? Yes in most cases. Both parents must consent to amendments affecting the child’s registered details. If one parent is absent, a court order or certified written consent is required.

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