What if I don’t have an id book?
Applications for ID books can be made at any regional or district
office of the Department of Home Affairs.
All South African citizens of 16 years and older, and all
permanent residents, can be issued with an ID book. To
apply, you need to take your birth certificate and two ID-size
photographs.
If you don’t have a birth certificate then you need to prove
you were born in South Africa. Your parent, senior relative or
someone else who has known you since birth should complete
an affidavit providing the details of your birth. Other documents
you should take are a valid baptismal certificate, first school
letter, clinic card or a house permit.
Who must register?
All South African citizens who turn 18 before the date of the
election have the right to vote. Voters have to register, and their
name must be recorded on the voters’ roll in the voting district
where they live.
■ If you voted in the 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006 or 2009 elections,
you should already be on the voters’ roll and there should be
a sticker in your ID book with the voting district number on it.
You do not need to register.
■ But if you have moved since these elections, or plan to move,
then you will need to change your registration to your new
voting district.
■ If you have not previously registered, you need to register as
a voter.