How can a first-time applicant get their ID without their parents or a birth certificate?

The long answer

Although a person applying for an ID for the first time is supposed to be accompanied by her parents or legal guardian, as you have no parents now, you will need to make a certified copy of your father’s ID document and take it to Home Affairs, together with his death certificate and proof of residence like a municipal bill.  

Because you need a birth certificate to get an ID, you will have to apply for late registration of birth at the same time as you apply for your ID (form B1-9). As you are older than 15, you will need the following documents:

• Completed Forms DHA-24, DHA-24/A x 2 and DHA-288 for the registration of birth,

• Supporting documentation (like your clinic card), as well as written reasons why the birth was not registered within 30 days of birth

• Application for an ID (Form B1-9)

• Two ID-sized photographs (you do not have to supply any photographs if you're getting the smart ID card)

• A certified copy of your late father’s ID

• Your father’s death certificate 

• Proof of residence

If you run into difficulties dealing with Home Affairs, the following organisations have had a lot of experience with them and may be able to assist you: 

• The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, info@scalabrini.org.za, tel: 021 465 6433

• Lawyers for Human Rights, Musina: 015 534 2203, Durban: 031 301 0531, Pretoria: 012 3202943, Johannesburg: 011 339 1960, Cape Town: 021 424 8561

• Legal Resources Centre, info@lrc.org.za, Johannesburg: 011 836 9831, Cape Town: 021 481 3000.

Wishing you the best,
Athalie