In order to change your name in South Africa, you will have to get in touch with your nearest Home Affairs Office. From the office, you will have to pick up three forms, the BI-196 for change of surname of majors, BI-85 for application for alteration of forename and BI-9 for Application for identity document. All these forms are available at any regional or district office of the Department of Home Affairs. But due to certain specifications and requirements regarding the processing of these forms, you may not be able to download them for use as an application or registration form.
Once you complete the three forms, you have to submit them along with two photographs for the issuing of a new ID book as well as an identity document that bears the applicants current name (s) and surname.
If you are applying for a change in surname, you have to give sufficient reasons for the same in writing.
(Some creativity is required here)
Required Documents
- The natural father's written consent, unless waived by a competent court, is a statutory requirement in the case where the child was born in wedlock.
- The mothers husband, whose surname the child is to assume, must also give his written consent to the assumption.
- Both the natural parents written consent is required as well as a good and sufficient reason, in writing, for the change.
- Copy of identity document (I D)
- Proof of residential/Postal address
- Divorce decree, (if applicable)
- Fathers consent (if alive) or copy of death certificate (if deceased)
- Stepfathers consent (if applicable)
- Proof of marriage (if applicable)
- Proof of guardianship (if applicable)
- Bring affidavit from the stepfather to assume his surname and marriage certificate. (if applicable)
