Unabridged birth certificates confirm the legal identity of children when they travel.
A birth certificate is undoubtedly the most important document you’ll own, as it officially gives you a legal identity. It also provides you with an ID number that you’ll use for life. Your ID number links everything from your bank account to your official records, making it easy to identify you in various situations.
A regular birth certificate provides essential information about your birth, like your name, birth date, and place of birth. It’s suitable for everyday purposes, like school enrolment and getting a driving licence.
An unabridged birth certificate (UBC) offers a comprehensive view of your birth details. It includes your personal information and provides the full names and ID numbers of both parents. This level of detail is crucial for legal matters like immigration, handling inheritances and resolving family-related legal proceedings.
When you travel internationally with a child, you need a UBC to confirm the parent-child relationship – this plays a vital role in preventing child trafficking. In short, while a regular birth certificate serves everyday purposes, a UBC is needed for legal and international matters.
If your child was born after 14 March 2013, they should already have a UBC.
If your child was born on or before 14 March 2013, as the parents or guardians you must apply for a UBC at Home Affairs, and take the following documents along:
The fee for issuing a UBC is currently R75, and the processing time can take up to 8 weeks.