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.
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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.
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“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
Now practise saying it. The Advocate has a scenario that walks you through exactly this situation — phrase by phrase, with audio playback and a practice drill. Free to try.
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.
Knowing the law is step one. The Advocate has scenarios on Identity and Dignity — practise the exact words to use, with audio, law references, and Scripture. Free to start.