How do I change my surname to my late mother's surname?

The long answer

You need to fill in Form B1-196 from the Department of Home Affairs. Form B1-196 is “Authority to assume another surname.” You can also download the form online: DHA B1-196 Application Form.

In the application form, there is a section where you must fill in “a good and sufficient reason” for changing your name. (This could be that in your culture, it is not acceptable to use your father’s surname when your parents are not married, and now that you are an adult, you would like to go back to using your deceased mother’s surname.)

You will need to submit a certified copy of your birth certificate. 

You will also need to submit Form DHA-9, which is the full fingerprints form. This form cannot be downloaded but is obtainable at Home Affairs or at police stations.

You will need to pay a fee of about R260.

The Director-General (DG) of Home Affairs must authorise the change of surname. After that, the DG will publish the amended name in the Government Gazette. The DG will then issue a Certificate from the Population Register on the change of name.

This could all take three to four months.

Wishing you the best,
Athalie