10-15 Business Days
Unabridged Birth Certificate
What is a Unabridged Birth Certificate?
An Unabridged Birth Certificate (also known as a Full Birth Certificate) is an official document issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Unlike the abridged version, which only contains the child’s basic details, the unabridged certificate includes information about both parents.
This certificate is often required for:
Applying for foreign visas and immigration
International travel with minors (especially travelling without parents)
School or university applications abroad
Adoption or custody cases
Passport applications in certain circumstances
Proof of parentage for legal purposes
Our Trusted Process: Full Birth Certificate for International Travel
We assist in simplifying the entire process of obtaining your Birth Certificate. From ensuring your application is correctly completed to tracking its progress, we aim to save you valuable time and effort. With our support, you can avoid common delays caused by incomplete documentation or administrative backlogs.
Due to its time-sensitive nature, we make sure to submit it correctly the first time around to reduce any delays.
10-15 Business Days
Document Preparation
Our team of experts will guide you through the documentation requirements to ensure your application is completed correctly the first time. We provide all necessary forms and detailed instructions, helping you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays.
Submission
After careful review, we handle the submission of your application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Our experienced team ensures that all documents are submitted in accordance with the required procedures, giving you peace of mind that your application is being processed correctly.
Tracking & Follow-Up
After submission, we actively monitor the progress of your application. Our team conducts regular follow-ups to help ensure that your application moves through the process as efficiently as possible. Status updates are provided throughout the process, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Collection & Delivery
Once your certificate has been issued, we arrange collection from DHA. The certificate can then be securely delivered to your preferred address locally or internationally. Additional services such as Apostille authentication and document legalization can also be arranged where required.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an abridged and an unabridged birth certificate
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An abridged birth certificate only contains the child’s basic details.
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An unabridged birth certificate (full version) includes details of both parents and is required for many official and international purposes.
Can I apply for an unabridged birth certificate from abroad?
Yes. If you are outside South Africa, Globridge Solutions can assist with the application from start to finish.
Which documents are required to apply?
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Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
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Details of the child (name, date of birth, place of birth)
- Abridged/hand written birth certificate (If available)
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Certified copies of the parents’ IDs or passports
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Completed DHA application form
Is the unabridged birth certificate valid for life?
Yes. Once issued, the certificate does not expire. However, if your details change (e.g., through adoption or name change), you may need a new one.
Why do I need an unabridged birth certificate for travel with children?
South African law requires additional documentation to combat child trafficking. When travelling with a minor, authorities often request an unabridged birth certificate to confirm parentage.
Does the unabridged birth certificate need to be apostilled or legalised?
If you plan to use the certificate abroad, many countries require it to be apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or legalised (for non-Hague countries). We can assist with this process.
Do you issue the certificates yourselves?
No. Only the Department of Home Affairs issues unabridged birth certificates. Our role is to assist with the application, tracking, collection, and delivery to save you time and reduce stress.

