Name discrepancy affidavit
Banking & identity
If the record is a National Population Register entry, use its amendment route. Canberra guidance covers corrections to correct an incorrect surname, name, date of birth, place of birth or gender. If the mismatch is on a matric certificate, apply to DBE or a Provincial Education Department through the re-issues process. That application calls for a sworn statement. Check the record before gathering papers.
Prepare your affidavit
Do not sign before the commissioner of oaths. Review your statement and sign in their presence. This PDF is not signed or certified.
Official downloads
How to use it
- Correct a population-register entry Use the amendment route when the entry itself is wrong. Canberra guidance covers requests to correct an incorrect surname, name, date of birth, place of birth or gender. It places these amendments under section 7(2) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992.
- Check whether your request changes a name instead For a request that is not about correcting a wrong entry, check whether it concerns an option to alter a forename, alter the surname of a minor, or assume a different surname.
- Change a name on a matric certificate To change a name on a matric certificate, you must apply to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Provincial Education Department (PED) by completing the Re-issues application form. This follows the DBE or Provincial Education Department re-issues route.
Document checklist
- Proof for a population-register correction Your correction request must be supported by the necessary documentary proof. Prepare documents that support the detail you want corrected.
- Fingerprint form for a Canberra application If the applicant is 16 years and older, include DHA-9. Canberra guidance requires this form for those applicants.
- Parent documents for a Canberra application To support finalization, Canberra guidance asks you to submit copies of the ID, passport, marriage certificate or birth certificate of the parent/s.
- Sworn statement for a matric certificate change Include a detailed sworn statement (affidavit) by the candidate.
- Identity documents for a matric certificate change Prepare certified copies of the candidate’s old and new identity documents.
- Original certificate for a matric certificate change The original certificate.
Certificate correction timing
| Item | Official information | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Correction period for DBE or PED certificates | A twelve month period from the date of issue Source: www.education.gov.za | 24 Oct 2026 |
| Re-issue processing time | Four to six weeks Source: www.education.gov.za | 24 Oct 2026 |
Route-specific fees
| Item | Official information | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Non-refundable fee per Canberra application | AUD 6.00 Source: dirco.gov.za | 24 Oct 2026 |
| DBE re-issue for administrative errors | R180 Source: www.education.gov.za | 24 Oct 2026 |
| DBE fee validity period | 01 April 2026 until 31 March 2027 Source: www.education.gov.za | 24 Oct 2026 |
Questions & answers
Is an affidavit the only paper for a population-register correction?
The Canberra amendment route requires supported by the necessary documentary proof. Check the form instructions for papers that support your correction.
Does changing a surname mean the same thing as correcting an error?
The government lists an option to assume a different surname. Check the route for your request before preparing a correction application.
Can I use the matric certificate route for a population-register entry?
The matric route is for a name change on a certificate. Apply through the re-issues process for that record; use the amendment route for a wrong population-register entry.
Can I send a replacement certificate when changing an original?
A change to an original certificate is considered only if the original certificate (not replacement) is returned.
Is the Canberra amendment fee refundable?
No. The fee is AUD 6.00 and is non-refundable.
Does the matric certificate application call for an affidavit?
Yes. Prepare a detailed sworn statement (affidavit) by the candidate for the DBE or Provincial Education Department re-issues application.
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Sources
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