HOW TO: Apply for an Identity Document for the first time
You will need an identity book to apply for a passport, and visas to work, study or visit friends and family overseas. You will also need your identity book to register to vote in the general and municipal elections. Here's what you need:
An Identity Document, or ID, is important to get as soon as you are eligible (from 16 years of age) as it proves your identity.
Why is an ID important?
You will need an identity book to apply for a passport, and visas to work, study or visit friends and family overseas. You will also need your identity book to register to vote in the general and municipal elections.
Here’s what you need
First time applicants must submit the following documentation to their nearest Department of Home Affairs office or South African mission or consulate abroad:
1. Form BI-9, completed in black ink.
2. A certified copy of your Birth Certificate or reference book or a copy of the old Transkei, Bophutatswana, Venda or Ciskei homelands identity or travel documents.
3. Two identical, colour photographs (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally. However, colour photographs are still needed for temporary IDs).
4. Your fingerprints will be taken by a Home Affairs official and imprinted on Form DHA-9.
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You can also email our offices on Reveshni Douglas at reveshni@caxton.co.za or newsun@caxton.co.za Bruce Douglas at Newed2@caxton.co.za Tersia Gopi at newed@caxton.co.za Zianne Leibrandt at ncschools@caxton.co.za
