South African government paperwork, in plain English.
Step-by-step guides for Home Affairs, SARS, UIF, SASSA, licensing and more — plus free, editable Word templates for letters, affidavits and consent forms and also downloadable PDF checklists for your convenience.
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All guides →Popular guides
View all →How to Apply for a Smart ID Card in South Africa
Step-by-step guide to applying for a South African Smart ID Card at Home Affairs or a participating bank, with requirements, fees, and processing time.
How to Apply for a South African Passport
Apply for a new South African passport at Home Affairs or your bank. Requirements, forms, fees, and processing time explained in plain English.
How to Get an Unabridged Birth Certificate
How to get an unabridged birth certificate in South Africa: form DHA-154, documents, fees, 6–8 week processing, tracking, embassy applications and FAQs.
How to Register a Late Birth in South Africa
Late registration of birth (LRB) in South Africa explained: forms DHA-24/LRB, DHA-24/PB and DHA-288/A, age categories, DNA tests, timelines, fees and FAQs.
How to Change Your Surname After Marriage or Divorce
Change your surname at Home Affairs after marriage, divorce, or by choice. Forms (BI-196), requirements, and when the change is free.
How to Get a SARS Tax Number for the First Time
First-time SARS tax number registration for new employees. Do it online via eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, or at a SARS branch.
Guidance you can verify
We turn official South African requirements into practical steps without pretending to be the government. Every guide names its sources, shows when it was reviewed, and links you back to the responsible department before you apply or pay a fee.
Official sources first
Fees, forms and rules are checked against government departments and official portals.
Review dates shown
Each guide tells you when its information was reviewed and when the page changed.
Corrections welcomed
Readers can report changed requirements so we can check and correct the guide.
Popular templates
View all →Bursary Motivation Letter Template (Word)
Free editable Word template for a South African bursary motivation letter, with a filled-in example.
Scholarship Motivation Letter Template (Word)
Free editable Word template for a scholarship motivation letter, with a filled-in example for South African and international scholarships.
Matric Exemption Motivation Letter Template (Word)
Free editable Word template for a motivation letter to Umalusi in support of a matric (National Senior Certificate) exemption application.
South African CV Template (Word)
A free, editable CV template formatted the way South African employers expect to see it.
Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Free, editable Word resignation letter template for South African employees. Includes a filled-in example and honours your BCEA notice period.
Salary Increase Request Letter (Word)
Free editable Word template for formally requesting a salary review from your employer, with a filled-in example.