I have been waiting for 10 months for a late registration of birth interview. How can I fast track this process and get my ID?

The long answer

Unfortunately, your ten-month wait for a late registration of birth (LRB) interview is not unusual. In December 2024, the Children’s Institute took Home Affairs to court about the backlog of about 250,000 people who had been waiting for up to seven years to get their LRB interview. The Children’s Institute asked the court to order that the LRB backlog was unconstitutional, and to order Home Affairs to deliver a clear step-by-step plan to address the causes of the backlog to make sure that these delays didn’t happen again. 

The Children’s Institute said that Home Affairs takes much too long to verify documents like the proof of birth form and evidence of school attendance. And that they use outdated systems – paper folders instead of digital – and the different Homes Affairs offices didn’t cooperate. They also said that the huge backlog is caused by Home Affairs insisting on doing interviews for all LRB applications, when this is not required by law.

That court case is still going on, but Home Affairs says it is speeding up the LRB process by simplifying registration and giving more authority to district offices instead of provincial managers. But there is still a large backlog for LRB interviews. 

You have probably already submitted the documents that you need to apply for your LRB and ID, as you are waiting for your LRB interview. But in case it is helpful, the following documents are needed:  

• DHA 24/LRB (notice of birth)

• Children born at health facilities: DHA 24/PB (Proof of birth) / Children born at home: DHA 24PBA (Proof of Birth Affidavit)

• DHA 288/A (Affidavit giving reasons for LRB)

• DHA 288

• B1-529 (determination of citizenship)

• Biometrics (ID-size photo and fingerprint) of your son

• Fingerprints of parent/s: The official will take your son's fingerprints and photograph (for smart cards) and your fingerprints

• Certified copies of parent’s ID/Passport

• Application for an ID (Form B1-9)

• Proof of payment of an application fee

It may be worth asking an organisation like the Black Sash, which gives free paralegal advice, to assist you to speed up the LRB interview process if possible.

These are their contact details:

• Black Sash

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Tel (national office): 021 686 6952 (which is in Cape Town)

Helpline: 072 66 33 73, 072 633 3739 or 063 610 1865

Wishing you the best,
Athalie