First look over this website with the latest from DHA and call to confirm
For every one of these documents - make sure to get copies all along the way.
Often paperwork goes missing, and you don’t want things to get delayed unnecessarily.
To make a DHA interview appointment
You will need your ID, your partner’s ID number, and your preferred date.
OR If you do hire a Marriage Officiant, they need a letter to state that they will be performing the marriage (when & where) with their registration details (their number and the home affairs office where they are registered).
For your DHA Interview
This information changes often based on the individual Home Affairs Offices - so first call to confirm with them, but here are the basics that are typically asked for:
Sometimes they will want an affidavit stating what your wedding plans are.
Bring a copy of your appointment letter.
FROM RSA SPOUSE
Completed BI31 Form
Certified & clear copy of South African ID (either green book or new smart card – passports and drivers license are not acceptable)
Letter of Non-Impediment that is a certified & clear copy - this is a document that states according to their record you are not married. It can be acquired at your embassy.
To request this from your embassy:
E-mail them asking how much it costs and what documents they need
Gather the appropriate documents
Schedule when to get the letter from your embassy
It must have an Apostille
Get it translated (if your embassy doesn’t work in English) by a sworn translator. (Just Google the sworn translators and you’ll easily find one.)
If previously married — you will also need a Certified & clear copy of a Final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate.
If you were previously married it is your responsibility to inform home affairs of your change of status. Please check with the Home Affairs help line if your current status is correct. Help Line Number is 0800 60 11 90
Often this is only valid for 6 months, so don’t delay your appointments for too long.
Sworn affidavits from parents / relatives acknowledging marriage
Certified & clear copy ID copes of parents / relatives (attached to affidavits)
Where parents are deceased - certified & clear copies of Death Certificate
3 x identical passport size photographs of yourself (colour or b/w)
FROM FOREIGN SPOUSE
Completed BI31 Form
Certified & clear copy of foreign passport main information page
Certified & clear copy Visa and Customs Entry Stamp for your latest entry
into South AfricaLetter Non-Impediment that is a certified & clear copy — this is a document that states according to their record you are not married.
Check if you have a consulate of your country here in SA where you could apply for it. Otherwise you need to bring one translated and with Apostille from home.
To request this from your embassy:
E-mail them asking how much it costs and what documents they need
Gather the appropriate documents
Schedule when to get the letter from your embassy
It must have an Apostille
Get it translated (if your embassy doesn’t work in English) by a sworn translator. (Just Google the sworn translators and you’ll easily find one.)
If previously married - a certified & clear copy of a Final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate – this is a document that states according to their record you are not married. It must be provided in English (if not then officially translated by a sworn translator) and have an Apostille.
Often this is only valid for 6 months, so don’t delay your appointments for too long.
Sworn affidavits from parents / relatives acknowledging marriage
Certified ID / passport copes of parents / relatives (attached to affidavits)
3 x identical passport size photographs of yourself (colour or b/w)
BOTH SPOUSES
Proof of residence / addresses
FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Clear copy of 2 x witnesses ID’s (if they are South African, or passport and entry stamp if they are Non South Africans). Witnesses can be anybody over the age of 16 years and who must produce a copy of their ID or Passport . They can be family member or friends.
Depending on the type of marriage you opt for - an anti nuptial agreement that is registered.
If you do your marriage ceremony at DHS, you will need copies of your ID and your partner’s ID.
