Question 1

Q: What happens if I get a sms stating there is no record and I need to visit my nearest HA Branch to complete DHA24 and DHA288?

Accepted Answer

The BI-24 OR DHA24 is the birth registration document, also known as the Vault certificate, Home Affairs will not issue an unabridged birth certificate unless this document is on file in Archives. The fact that it is not there does not mean that you were not registered, it means that your documents are not in order at the Department. When your birth was registered it was supposed to be sent to the Regional Office who sends it on to Head Office who then uploads it and sends it on to Archives. Can you see how many places this could go wrong?The original forms need to be completed and submitted to any regional office, unfortunately we have NO control of how long it will take to have these documents captured in Archives – call Adri for more information.

Question 2

Q: What happens if I am requested to provide a DHA30/Marriage register?

Accepted Answer

If the Marriage register (vault) is not on file in Archives, they are not permitted to print the Marriage Certificate until this document is replaced.  This register was supposed to have been sent to Head Office by the Regional Office where the Pastor handed it in.  If you do have it, please send us a legible scanned copy.  If you were married before 2000 there should not be any issues, however if this is required and you can’t provide it then you will most probably not be issued with an unabridged version.  You can apply for the abridged version which will not have your marital status i.e. Bachelor/Spinster/Divorced/Widowed.   Some Countries accepts alternative documents in lieu of the unabridged Marriage i.e. Letter of no Impediment/Abridged plus Affidavit – Ask Adri for more information The original forms need to be completed and submitted to any regional office, unfortunately we have NO control of how long it will take to have these documents captured in Archives – call Adri for more information.

Question 3

Q: What is the diffrence between an Abridged & Unabridged birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

Abridged birth certificate is a printed birth certificate with only the applicant/childs details and is not acceptable for immigration purpose.   Unabridged birth certificate: is a printed birth certificate with the applicant/child as well as both parent’s details.   (Please bear in mind that the word “unabridged” is no longer in use.

Question 4

Q: What is the diffrence between an Abridged & Unabridged Marriage Certificate

Accepted Answer

Abridged marriage certificate is a computer generated certificate with both parties details.   Unabridged marriage certificate is a cmputer generated certificate with both parties details,  the marital status of both parties before the wedding as well as the marriage officer's details.    (Please bear in mind that the word “unabridged” is no longer in use.

Question 5

Q: What is a Vault Birth

Accepted Answer

Vault Birth is a photocopy of the actual registration document completed by both parents the day the child was born. Stamped with a pink stamp from Home Affairs

Question 6

Q: What is a Vault marriage

Accepted Answer

Vault marriage is a photocopy of the actual register which was signed by the marriage officer and your witnesses on the day you were married.

Question 7

Q: What is a letter of No Impediment

Accepted Answer

This document is normally used if you are planning on getting married abroad. It is a letter dated and signed indicating your marital status and if married, who you are married to.

Questions & Answers

Unabridged Birth, Vault, Unabridged Marriage, Police Clearance