Form details

Lost birth certificate affidavit

Home Affairs

If you lost your birth certificate, the Western Cape replacement instructions say to complete Form BI-154 and take your ID (if you take copies, they should be certified). They do not say every replacement request needs an affidavit. If you need a general affidavit, you can make one at a police station, where an officer provides a form and help.

Prepare your affidavit

No account needed. Your answers are used for this request. Save to your account only when you choose to.

Do not sign before the commissioner of oaths. Review your statement and sign in their presence. This PDF is not signed or certified.

As it should appear in your statement.
Use facts you know. State dates and names accurately; explain any uncertainty.
Use facts you know. State dates and names accurately; explain any uncertainty.

Official downloads

Get the current form from the official source:

What is an affidavit? | South African Government www.gov.za

Applying for a birth certificate in South Africa www.westerncape.gov.za

How to use it

    Document checklist

    1. Application form Complete Form BI-154.
    2. Your identification Take your ID (if you take copies, they should be certified).
    3. Child identification If you are applying with an abridged certificate, take your child’s ID.

    Check the application fee

    Fee
    The application includes an application fee. The amount is not given here; check with Home Affairs before you go. Source: www.westerncape.gov.za

    Questions & answers

    What does an affidavit mean?

    It is a written statement made under oath.

    Does the general affidavit guidance specifically mention birth certificates?

    No. Its examples include replacing lost or stolen documents such as an ID or passport, but do not name birth certificates.

    Is the affidavit the replacement application?

    The affidavit is a sworn statement. The Western Cape replacement request uses Form BI-154.

    When should I take my child’s ID?

    Take your child’s ID if you are applying with an abridged certificate.

    Can I take a copy of my ID?

    The instruction says your ID (if you take copies, they should be certified).

    What help is available at a police station?

    An officer provides a standard form and will help you complete the process.

    Where can I submit the request from overseas?

    Submit the documents at the nearest South African mission, consulate or embassy.

    What is the application fee amount?

    The application includes an application fee, but the amount is not given here. Check with Home Affairs before you go.

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    More help

    Sources

    What is an affidavit? | South African Government

    Applying for a birth certificate in South Africa

    Govnet is an independent information portal. Generated PDFs are unsigned drafts.