Legal Q&A

How to Change Your Name in South Africa

You can apply to change your first name or surname at any Home Affairs office. The process costs R140 and takes 4–8 weeks. Here is exactly what you need.

Free South African Law

Direct Answer

Any South African citizen can apply to change their first name or surname at any Home Affairs office using Form DHA-9 (first name change) or DHA-298 (surname change). The fee is R140. Your new ID with the changed name is issued in the same process. Name changes after marriage, divorce, or adoption have separate, simpler processes.

What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992

Section 24

“Any person may apply to the Director-General to change their first names or surname by submitting an application and the prescribed fee.”

What to Do

Step-by-Step Guide

1Go to any Home Affairs office with your green ID book or Smart ID card, your birth certificate, and R140 in cash or bank-guaranteed cheque.
2Complete Form DHA-9 for a first name change, or Form DHA-298 for a surname change. Forms are available at Home Affairs offices.
3Provide a reason for the change — Home Affairs accepts personal, cultural, religious, and identity reasons. There is no requirement to justify the change extensively.

4After approval, your birth certificate is updated and a new Smart ID card is issued with your new name. The process typically takes 4–8 weeks.

5Update your records with your bank, employer, SARS, medical aid, and other institutions using your new ID as proof.

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"I would like to apply to change my [first name/surname] in terms of Section 24 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act. I have completed Form DHA-[9/298] and have my identity document and the required fee of R140."”

Tone: At the Home Affairs counter

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to anything I want?

Almost. Home Affairs may decline a name that is offensive, contains numbers, or is impersonation of a known figure. In practice, most reasonable name changes are approved without issue.

Do I need a court order to change my name?

No — for standard name changes through Home Affairs, a court order is not required. Court orders for name changes are sometimes needed in the context of adoption or gender marker changes, but not for ordinary first name or surname changes.

Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

Home Affairs

0800 601 190

Name change applications and enquiries.

Related Pages

Continue Learning

Right to an ID Document

Identity and Dignity Rights Domain

Practise Your Rights — Out Loud

The Advocate helps you practise the exact words to use in 149 real South African scenarios — grounded in constitutional law and Scripture. Free to start.
Open The Advocate — Free
No credit card needed · Know Your Rights. Know Your Word.

Get the free rights checklist

10 scenarios, exact words to use, constitutional references. No credit card.