Q: MAY I RENEW MY PASSPORT?
A: South African passports are no longer RENEWABLE or EXTENDIBLE. You must apply for a NEW passport. Please e-mail your request to receive forms to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Q: MY PASSPORT IS STILL VALID BUT CONTAINS ONLY A FEW BLANK PAGES. COULD YOU ADD PAGES AT THE CONSULATE LOCALLY?
A: Unfortunately, pages cannot be added to South African passports. You must apply for a NEW passport. If you travel frequently, you may opt for a MAXI passport. Please e-mail your request to receive forms to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Q: I ALREADY HAVE A PASSPORT; DO I STILL NEED TO COMPLETE ALL THREE FORMS?
A: YES. All three forms (BI-73, BI-529 & BI-9) are required when applying for a new South African passport.
Q: I ALREADY HAVE A SOUTH AFRICAN ID BOOK; DO I STILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE FORM BI-9?
A: Yes. The new set of fingerprints taken on the BI-9 is part of the passport application. Every South African citizen 15½ years of age and/or older, MUST submit new set of fingerprints with the application of a new passport.
Q: I HAVE PREVIOUSLY AND ON MANY OCCASIONS SUBMITTED FINGERPRINTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS. DO I REALLY, REALLY NEED THE BI-9?
A: Yes. You still need to complete the BI-9. Please make sure you submit this form to avoid delaying the processing of your application.
Q: I RECENTLY GOT MARRIED ABROAD. I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER MY MARRIAGE AND CHANGE MY SURNAME ON MY PASSPORT. HOW SHOULD I PROCEED?
A: Female applicants: The registration of your new marital status is automatically done when you apply for a new passport. If you would like to use your married or double-barrelled surname, you should apply for a new passport together with a copy of your marriage certificate. You should provide a letter requesting the alteration.
Male applicants: should forward a copy of their marriage certificate together with a copy of their South African valid passport.
Q: ONE OR BOTH OF MY PARENTS ARE DECEASED AND I DO NOT HAVE ANY DETAILS. HOW SHOULD I PROCEED?
A: Please include as much information as possible (e.g. surname, name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.). Also please mention that the person in deceased.
