How to Change Your Surname After Marriage or Divorce in South Africa

Getting married or divorced in South Africa doesn't automatically update your surname on official records. You need to formally notify the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) using the correct form, and until that's done, your ID, passport, and other documents will still reflect your old name. Here's exactly how the process works, what it costs, and how long it takes.

The legal basis

Surname changes in South Africa are governed by the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992. Two sections matter here:

  • Section 26 covers assuming another surname following marriage or divorce — this is the simplified route most people use, and it's free.
  • Section 25 covers a general surname change for any other reason, which is a more formal application requiring publication in the Government Gazette and approval by the Director-General.

This article deals with the Section 26 (marriage/divorce) route.

What you're allowed to do

After marriage, you may:

  • Take your spouse's surname
  • Combine both surnames into a double-barrelled surname
  • Keep your own surname

After divorce, you may:

  • Revert to your maiden name or a previous surname
  • Keep your married surname

The form: DHA BI-196

The form used is BI-196 — "Application for Authority in terms of Section 26 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992, to Assume Another Surname." It's sometimes referred to as DHA-196.

  • Download it from the DHA website or collect it at any DHA branch
  • Complete it in black ink, block letters — do not sign it in advance, as it must be signed in front of a Home Affairs official
  • Do not use correction fluid on the form

Step-by-step process

1. Register the marriage or divorce with the DHA first. Home Affairs can't process a surname change unless your marriage or divorce is already on their system. If you were married by a marriage officer in South Africa, this is usually done automatically, but it's worth confirming before you apply. For a divorce, you'll need the decree of divorce from the court.

2. Complete the BI-196 form.

3. Gather your supporting documents:

  • Original and a certified copy of your marriage certificate (for marriage) or divorce decree (for divorce)
  • A certified copy of your ID document
  • If applicable, your spouse's consent and ID details (the form has a section for this)

4. Submit in person at any DHA branch. This isn't something you can do entirely online — you need to appear in person to sign the form and, in most cases, verify your fingerprints.

5. Wait for processing, then apply for a new Smart ID Card reflecting your new surname once the change is approved.

6. Update everything else — your bank, SARS eFiling profile, driver's licence, medical aid, and other institutions — once you have proof of the new surname (your amended documents or the DHA confirmation).

Note: your passport and driver's licence don't need to be updated immediately. You can travel on an old passport in your previous surname alongside your marriage certificate/divorce decree and new ID card until the passport expires or you choose to renew it.

Fees

Assuming a spouse's surname after marriage, or reverting to a previous surname after divorce, under Section 26 is free of charge. This is distinct from a general (Section 25) surname change unrelated to marriage or divorce, which carries an application fee (currently in the region of R325, though you should confirm the exact amount at your DHA branch or on the DHA fee schedule, as fees are revised periodically).

Processing time

Official DHA turnaround varies significantly by branch and current backlog. As a general guide, expect a few weeks to a few months. It's worth calling the DHA Contact Centre on 0800 60 11 90 with your reference number if you haven't heard back within a reasonable time.

Common reasons for rejection or delay

  • Missing or uncertified marriage certificate or divorce decree — always bring originals plus certified copies
  • Marriage or divorce not yet registered on the DHA system, so there's nothing for the surname change to be linked to
  • Trying to use the new surname on other documents (bank, passport, etc.) before the DHA has officially processed and confirmed the change
  • Incomplete or incorrectly completed BI-196, or a form signed before appearing at the branch (it must be signed in front of an official)

Does this affect my ID number, credit record, or criminal record?

No. A surname change through the DHA links your old and new identity through your existing ID number and a DHA linking confirmation — it doesn't erase or separate your credit history, debt record, or any criminal record from your identity.

Frequently asked questions

Can a man change his surname to his wife's after marriage? Yes. The Section 26 process applies regardless of gender — either spouse may assume the other's surname, or the couple may double-barrel their surnames.

Do I need a lawyer? No. This is an administrative process handled directly at a DHA branch; legal representation isn't required.

What if I want a surname unrelated to marriage or divorce? That falls under Section 25 rather than Section 26, and requires Form BI-196 as well but follows the more formal route — a written motivation, publication in the Government Gazette for public objection, and approval by the Director-General. This process typically takes several months and carries a fee.

Official references

  • Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992 — Sections 25 and 26
  • Department of Home Affairs: www.dha.gov.za
  • DHA Contact Centre: 0800 60 11 90
  • Form BI-196, available from DHA branches or the DHA website

This article is for general informational purposes and reflects the process as generally applied by the Department of Home Affairs. Fees, forms, and processing times are set by the DHA and may change — always confirm current requirements at your nearest branch or on the official DHA website before applying.