Getting married is a big milestone for many women. Many prefer a change of surname after marriage, while others opt to retain their family name. If you choose to change your surname, you must follow certain legal steps to have it changed on all important documents.
A change of surname after marriage or divorce is allowed in South Africa. The process is straightforward, and you should do it immediately after exchanging nuptials.
Section 26 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 allows South Africans to assume a different surname after marriage or divorce. A lady can assume her spouse's name after marriage or revert to her maiden name after divorce. In 1997, the Act allowed women to have a double-barrelled surname, i.e. she can join her surname with that of her husband.
Did you know an application for a change of surname after marriage is no longer necessary? If you wish to effect a change of surname after marriage, you should notify the Department of Home Affairs. The notification should be issued in writing to allow staff members in the department to update the population register. You must provide proof of wedlock. Kindly note that a change of surname after marriage at the Home Affairs Department may take three to four months, so you must be patient. This is the only change of name that does not require applications.
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According to section 25 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, a minor's surname can be altered in the following circumstances.
The requirements for the changes to be effected are listed below.
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If a woman had a child out of wedlock, she can change the child's surname after getting married to the child's father. The child may be re-registered as born within wedlock. For this to happen, both parents must do the following.
NB: Applications may be lodged at any domestic Home Affairs office, any South African embassy, or consulate abroad.
You can do this by writing a notice to the Department of Home Affairs requesting for the change.
No, you cannot. You can make the amendments by visiting any home affairs office or South African embassy or consulate if you reside outside the country.
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You need proof of marriage and a written notice.
No, it takes time for the officials at the home affairs office or South African embassy to update the population register. Usually, the change reflects in a couple of months.
It takes about three or four months to change your surname at Home Affairs in South Africa.
If you prefer a change of surname after marriage, you can do it at the Department of Home Affairs or visit the nearest South African embassy if you reside overseas. The process is straightforward, and it takes up to four months for the amendment to be made.
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Briefly.co.za recently published the process of vehicle license renewal in South Africa. Driving and motor permits in this country are issued by the Department of Transport.
Failure to renew a motor vehicle license attracts penalties and arrears. You can avoid this by renewing yours before expiry.
Source: Briefly News
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
