How to register a death in South Africa: step-by-step
Plain-English guide to registering a death with the South African Department of Home Affairs - the BI-1663, the DHA-5 death certificate, abridged vs unabridged copies, and what to do for natural and unnatural deaths.
Every death in South Africa must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs. The death certificate (DHA-5) is the foundational document for every other estate process - the bank, the Master of the High Court, SARS and every insurer want certified copies.
Registration is free of charge. Most authorised undertakers will handle it as part of their service.
Step 1: Issue the BI-1663 notification
The doctor (for a natural death) or the forensic pathologist (for an unnatural or sudden death) completes the BI-1663 Notification of Death/Stillbirth.
The BI-1663 is the medical record of death. It is not the death certificate, but you cannot get the death certificate without it.
Step 2: Take the BI-1663 to Home Affairs (or use an undertaker)
Lodge the BI-1663 at any Department of Home Affairs office or via an authorised undertaker. The undertaker route is faster and is usually included in the funeral service.
Bring the deceased's South African ID (or passport for a non-citizen), the next-of-kin's ID and proof of relationship.
Step 3: Receive the DHA-5 abridged death certificate
Home Affairs issues the abridged death certificate (DHA-5) on the day of registration in most offices. This is the document banks and the Master accept for routine purposes.
Step 4: Apply for unabridged death certificates
For overseas estates, foreign bank accounts and certain insurance claims you will need the unabridged death certificate. It is issued on the BI-132 application and takes six to eight weeks.
Step 5: Order certified copies
Have at least five certified copies made. The South African Police Service (SAPS), Post Office and most banks will certify copies on production of the original.
Some institutions only accept certified copies dated within the last three or six months - keep the original safe and re-certify as needed.
Practical tips
- If the death was unnatural (accident, suicide, suspected foul play), the police case number forms part of the registration file. Get it from the investigating officer.
- Stillbirths after 26 weeks of gestation are also registered using the BI-1663. The certificate issued is a stillbirth certificate, not a death certificate.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly must a death be registered in South Africa?
There is no statutory deadline, but the death certificate is required before a body can be buried or cremated. In practice, registration happens within 24 to 72 hours of death.
What does it cost to register a death?
Registration with the Department of Home Affairs is free. The unabridged death certificate (DHA-1663) carries a small administrative fee.
Who can register the death?
A direct relative, the funeral undertaker on behalf of the family, or any person with knowledge of the death may register it. The undertaker route is the most common.