Get Bi 85 Form

In South Africa, the process of changing one's surname is relatively straightforward and costs around R200. To start the process, you must fill out a form at your nearest Home Affairs office and provide supporting documents such as your birth certificate, valid identification and a marriage certificate (if applicable).

Depending on how easily accessible your details are in the archives, the process generally takes less than three to six months. You can, however, apply for an official letter that can be used instead of the unabridged birth certificate should you need to travel during the processing time.

This application is free of charge and on receipt thereof it will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa for processing. This process can take up to 12 – 16 weeks, after which an application for SA passport may be submitted.

Form BI-59 must be completed and submitted with proof of the marriage to any Home Affairs domestic office. Both parents must sign the said form in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths. Applications for the insertion of a forename or surname, as the case may be, must be on a duly completed Form BI-795.

It can take up to 24 weeks to obtain your certificate at Home Affairs. We will expedite your order and obtain your certificate in in the 8 week window. We collect your order the day that it is ready. Please note* if Home Affairs cannot find your records you will have to fill out both a BI-288 & BI-24 forms.

You must provide proof of wedlock. Kindly note that a change of surname after marriage at the Home Affairs Department may take three to four months, so you must be patient. This is the only change of name that does not require applications. Any other change may have a more complex process.

Outside of marriage and divorce, legally changing your name usually comes with a price tag. The total amount can range from less than $100 to over $500. First, you should expect to pay a filing fee. This is the cost of filing your name change forms with the County Clerk.

Applications in this regard may be lodged at any domestic Home Affairs office or any South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad. Applications must be on a duly completed Form BI-196 and a good and sufficient reason, in writing, for the change must be furnished.

Without a registered marriage or divorce on the DHA's system, or the correct documentation (e.g. a divorce decree), it is very difficult to change anything documentation relating to your name. Usually, the DHA BI-196 Application Form for “Authority to assume another surname” is submitted.