Form DHA-73 — South African Passport and Travel Document Application
Note: If the link above does not open, visit dha.gov.za directly and search for DHA-73. Do not download this form from third-party websites — outdated versions are frequently rejected.
What Is Form DHA-73?
Form DHA-73 is the official Department of Home Affairs application form for a South African passport or travel document. It replaced the older BI-73 form and is used for every category of passport application — adult renewals, first-time adult passports, child passports, maxi passports, and emergency travel certificates.
You complete this form whether you are applying at a DHA branch inside South Africa or at a South African embassy, mission, or consulate abroad.
Who Needs to Complete DHA-73?
You need Form DHA-73 if you are applying for any of the following:
- A first adult passport (turning 16 or older)
- A renewal of an expired or expiring passport
- A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged passport
- A child’s passport (under 16 years)
- A maxi passport (extra pages for frequent travellers)
- An emergency travel certificate (in exceptional circumstances abroad)
- An official or diplomatic passport (through your government employer)
How to Get Form DHA-73
Inside South Africa: DHA-73 is available at any DHA branch with Live Capture. Download and print it beforehand to complete at home, then bring it to your appointment. The form must be completed in black ink in block letters.
Outside South Africa: Download and print from the link above. Bring the completed form to your nearest South African embassy, mission, or consulate. For applications at VFS Global centres, confirm whether they accept pre-printed forms or require you to complete the form at the centre.
Form DHA-73 is one of the few DHA forms that can be downloaded and pre-completed. However, do not sign section E (declaration) until instructed to do so by the official receiving your application.
Sections of Form DHA-73 Explained
Section A — Personal particulars Your full name, ID number, date of birth, gender, and contact details. Complete exactly as they appear on your identity document. If your name on your ID differs from your birth certificate, attach a certified explanation.
Section B — Office use only Leave this section blank. It is completed by the DHA official processing your application. Do not write in this section even if it appears empty.
Section C — Parental consent (children under 18) Both parents must complete and sign this section for applicants under 18. If one parent has sole guardianship, attach a certified court order. If a parent is deceased, attach a certified death certificate. If both parents are deceased, attach a certified court order for legal guardianship.
Section D — Type of passport Indicate which type of passport you are applying for: ordinary (32 pages), maxi (48 pages), or other. Tick only one option.
Section E — Declaration Sign in the presence of the DHA official. Do not pre-sign. If you pre-sign, the official may reject the form and require you to complete a new one.
Documents to Bring With Your DHA-73
All applicants:
- Completed Form DHA-73 (black ink, block letters)
- Original South African ID (Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book)
- Certified copy of your ID
First-time applicants (no previous passport):
- Original unabridged birth certificate
- Certified copy of unabridged birth certificate
- Form DHA-529 if applying from outside South Africa
Renewal applications:
- Previous passport (even if expired)
- If the previous passport is lost or stolen: completed Form DHA-335 and police report
Child applicants (under 16):
- Child’s unabridged birth certificate (original and certified copy)
- Both parents’ Smart IDs or green ID books
- Parental consent — completed in Section C of DHA-73
- If parents are divorced: certified divorce decree and parenting plan
- If one parent is deceased: certified death certificate
Applications from outside South Africa:
- All of the above
- Completed Form DHA-529 (Determination of Citizenship Status)
Passport Fees (2026)
| Passport type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Ordinary passport (32 pages) | R600 |
| Maxi passport (48 pages) | R900 |
| Lost or stolen passport replacement | R1 200 (double tariff) |
| Child passport (under 16) | R600 |
Fees are payable at the DHA branch. Some VFS Global centres accept card payments — confirm before your appointment.
How Long Does a Passport Take?
Applications submitted inside South Africa at a Live Capture branch typically take 10 working days. Applications submitted at South African missions abroad are forwarded to Pretoria monthly and can take 6 to 8 months.
Track your passport status by SMSing the word PASSPORT followed by your ID number to 32551.
Common Mistakes on Form DHA-73
Writing in Section B. This section is for official use only. Writing in it does not speed up your application — it may cause your form to be rejected.
Pre-signing the declaration. Section E must be signed in the presence of the official. A pre-signed form is technically invalid.
Using correction fluid. DHA officials are required to reject forms altered with Tipp-Ex or correction fluid. If you make an error, request a new form.
Downloading an outdated version. DHA updates form versions without notice. Always download a fresh copy from dha.gov.za before your appointment.
Missing parental consent for a child. Both parents must be present or consent must be certified in advance. Arriving without the other parent’s consent is one of the most common reasons child passport applications are rejected on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete Form DHA-73 online? You can complete it digitally before printing, or complete a paper version by hand. However, you cannot submit it electronically — it must be submitted in person at a DHA branch or South African mission.
Do I need Form DHA-73 to renew my passport at a bank? Yes. Capitec and Nedbank both offer passport renewal services through the DHA Live Capture system. You still complete Form DHA-73 at the branch. The bank does not use a different form.
What if I only have a green ID book, not a Smart ID? A green barcoded ID book is still legally valid and accepted for passport applications. You do not need to convert to a Smart ID card first.
Can I apply for my passport and Smart ID at the same time? Yes. First-time passport applicants turning 16 are now required by DHA to apply for both simultaneously. Bring both the DHA-73 (passport) and your ID application materials to the same appointment.
What happens if my name on my ID is different from my birth certificate? Attach a certified explanation and any supporting documentation (marriage certificate, court order, or affidavit). DHA officials will assess whether to process the application or refer it for manual review.
Related Forms
- Form DHA-335 — Report of Loss of Travel Document — required if your passport was lost or stolen
- Form DHA-9 — Fingerprint Form — required for Smart ID applications
- Form DHA-529 — Determination of Citizenship Status — required for applications made outside South Africa
Related Guides
- How to Apply for a South African Passport
- Passport Application at Capitec and Nedbank
- Lost or Stolen Passport — What to Do
- All DHA Forms — Complete Hub