Government Services FAQ: Documents, Licenses & Grants
Step-by-step guides for ID applications, licenses, grants, and essential government services in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
🏛️ Tip: Book appointments online to avoid queues at government offices
How do I apply for a South African ID?
To apply for SA ID: Visit any Home Affairs office with: birth certificate (if first time), biometric photos will be taken at office, R140 fee for first issue, fingerprints taken electronically. For smart ID card: same process but costs R140. Lost ID: police affidavit required plus R140. Processing: 2-8 weeks for collection. Age 16+ can apply. Online booking available for appointments.
How do I apply for SASSA grants in South Africa?
SASSA grants available: Child Support (R510), Old Age (R2,090), Disability (R2,090), Foster Care (R1,130), Care Dependency (R2,090), Grant-in-Aid (R510), Social Relief of Distress (R350). Apply at SASSA office with: SA ID, proof of income, bank statements, medical reports (for disability), birth certificates (for child grant). Must pass means test. Payment via bank, Post Office, or CashSend.
How do I renew my drivers license in South Africa?
Renew SA drivers license: Book online at www.natis.gov.za or walk-in, visit DLTC with: ID, current license, proof of address, eye test certificate (valid 6 months), R250 fee for light vehicle, R350 for heavy vehicle. Renew before expiry or pay R100 penalty per expired license card. Temporary license valid while waiting. Collection: 5-6 weeks.
How do I apply for a South African passport?
SA passport application: Apply at Home Affairs or bank (FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank). Requirements: SA ID, completed Form BI-73, R400 fee (adult), R250 (child), parental consent for minors. Tourist passport: 32 pages, Maxi: 48 pages (R400). Processing: 10-13 working days normal, 5 days express (additional R200). Valid for 10 years (adult), 5 years (minor).
How do I get an unabridged birth certificate in SA?
Unabridged birth certificate shows both parents details. Apply at Home Affairs with: ID of applicant, completed Form BI-154, R75 fee. If applying for child: both parents IDs or death certificate if deceased. Processing: 6-8 weeks. Can apply online via eHomeAffairs. Required for: visa applications, traveling with minors, school registration. Abridged (R20) only shows child details.
How do I register a birth in South Africa?
Register birth within 30 days at Home Affairs. Requirements: Form BI-24 (given at hospital), parents IDs or passports, parents marriage certificate (if married), proof of birth from hospital/clinic. Late registration (after 30 days): requires additional forms and R70 fee. Birth certificate issued free first time. Unmarried parents: both must be present or affidavit required.
How do I apply for Zimbabwe national ID?
Zimbabwe ID application: Visit any Registrar General office with: birth certificate, proof of residence, two passport photos, $3-10 fee (citizens), parents IDs if under 18. Metal ID being phased out for plastic cards. E-passport also serves as ID. Processing: 1-3 months normal, same day for urgent (higher fee). Age 16+ must have ID by law.
What is the R350 SRD grant?
Social Relief of Distress (R350) grant for unemployed South Africans: Apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za, WhatsApp 082 046 8553, or USSD *134*7737#. Requirements: SA citizen/permanent resident, 18-60 years, unemployed, no other income/grants, not receiving UIF. Monthly applications required. Payment via bank, ShopRite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Post Office. Appeals possible if declined.
How do I get a Police Clearance Certificate in SA?
Police clearance (PCC) application: Apply at any police station with: SA ID, completed form, R114 fee (fingerprints). For immigration: specific forms required. Processing: 4-8 weeks. Valid for 6 months from issue. Can apply online via SAPS website. Required for: visa applications, employment, adoption. Foreign nationals can also apply with passport.
How do I register a death in South Africa?
Register death within 7 days at Home Affairs. Requirements: BI-1663 form from hospital/doctor, deceased ID, informant ID. Death certificate issued free (first copy). Burial order provided for funeral. If death at home: police must be called first. Stillborn: different process with BI-1664 form. Multiple certified copies: R20 each. Required for: estate, insurance, bank accounts.
How do I change my surname in South Africa?
Change surname at Home Affairs with: ID, completed Form BI-85, R125 fee for adults (R60 for minors), marriage certificate (if due to marriage), divorce decree (if reverting), deed poll for other changes. Processing: 6-8 weeks. Must update: ID, passport, drivers license, bank accounts. Published in Government Gazette. Reasons: marriage, divorce, or any other valid reason.
How do I apply for a marriage certificate in SA?
Get married: Give 3 months notice at Home Affairs, both partners present with: IDs, divorce decree (if applicable), death certificate (if widowed). Fee: R75. Wedding by Home Affairs: additional fee. Church/venue wedding: marriage officer submits documents. Certificate: collected after wedding or posted. Certified copies: R75 each. Foreign nationals need additional documents.
What documents do I need for school registration in SA?
School registration requires: birth certificate (unabridged for Grade R/1), immunization card, proof of address, parents IDs, previous school reports/transfer letter, photos of child. Public schools: no fees for qualifying families (exemption forms available). Age: Grade R (turning 5), Grade 1 (turning 6). Application periods vary by province. Foreign learners need study permit.
How do I report corruption in government services?
Report corruption: National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701, Presidential Hotline: 17737, SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111, Public Protector: 0800 11 20 40. Online: www.corruption.gov.za. WhatsApp: 082 990 3320. Anonymous reporting allowed. Provide: date, place, people involved, evidence if available. Protected by Whistle-blower Protection Act.
How do I check my tax number and status in SA?
Check tax status: Register on SARS eFiling (www.sars.gov.za), call 0800 00 7277, visit SARS branch. Tax number on: IRP5, tax returns, SARS correspondence. Lost tax number: recover via eFiling or branch. Tax clearance: apply online, valid 1 year. Required for: tenders, emigration, certain permits. Auto-assessment for simple returns.
Government Service Contacts
South Africa
- • Home Affairs: 0800 60 11 90
- • SASSA: 0800 60 10 11
- • SARS: 0800 00 72 77
- • Labour: 0860 040 506
- • RTMC (Licenses): 087 285 0149
Zimbabwe
- • Registrar General: All major cities
- • Immigration: +263 4 791 913
- • VID (Licenses): Regional offices
- • ZRP: 995 (Emergency)
- • Passport Office: Harare/Bulawayo
ID Card
R140
2-8 weeks
Passport
R400
10-13 days
License
R250
5-6 weeks
Birth Cert
R75
6-8 weeks
Note: Fees and processing times are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current requirements with relevant government departments. Last updated: 11/14/2025