How to Use the Home Affairs Fee Calculator 2026 - DHA Document Costs SA

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) charges prescribed fees for identity documents, passports, birth certificates, and other official documents. These fees are set by the Minister of Home Affairs and published in the Government Gazette. Knowing the correct fee before you visit avoids awkward moments at the counter and protects you against unofficial charges. The Home Affairs Fee Calculator shows you the exact prescribed fee for the document you need.

Official DHA Fee Schedule 2026

DHA fees are reviewed periodically. The fees below reflect rates applicable in 2025/2026 — use the calculator to confirm current rates before your visit.

Identity Documents

Document	Fee
Smart ID card (first issue — South African citizens)	R140
Smart ID card (replacement — lost or damaged)	R140
Smart ID card (for persons 60 years and older)	Free
Smart ID card (persons with disability receiving a social grant)	Free
Green ID book (no longer issued for new applications)	N/A

Passports

Document	Fee
32-page passport (new or renewal)	R400
48-page passport (frequent traveller)	R800
Emergency Travel Document (single journey)	R100
Child passport (under 16)	R400

Births, Marriages, and Deaths

Document	Fee
Unabridged birth certificate	R75
Abridged birth certificate (first copy)	Free
Abridged birth certificate (additional copies)	R75
Unabridged marriage certificate	R75
Death certificate (certified copy)	R75
Late registration of birth (over 30 days)	R75

Other DHA Documents

Document	Fee
Visa application (various types)	R425-R1,520 depending on visa type
Permanent residence application	R2,300-R3,770
Citizenship by naturalisation	R4,580
Waiver of objection to citizenship	R800

How to Use the Home Affairs Fee Calculator

Step 1: Open the Calculator

Navigate to the Home Affairs Fee Calculator.

Step 2: Select the Document Type

Choose from the list of DHA documents: Smart ID, passport (32 or 48 page), birth/death/marriage certificate, visa type, or citizenship application.

Step 3: Specify Your Situation

For some documents, the fee varies based on:

• Your age (under/over 60 for Smart ID)
• Whether you receive a social grant (exempt from Smart ID fee)
• First issue vs. replacement
• Urgency (standard vs. emergency)

Step 4: Review the Fee

The calculator displays the current official fee. Bring this exact amount — DHA counters require payment at time of application. Accepted payment methods vary by branch (see below).

How to Pay DHA Fees

At the DHA Branch:

• Cash: accepted at most branches (bring exact change where possible)
• Bank-issued money order or postal order: accepted at some branches
• Debit card / EFTPOS: increasingly available at live-capture branches in metros — but not universal; call ahead to confirm

DHA does not accept personal cheques. Credit cards may not be accepted at all branches.

Important: Never pay anyone outside the official DHA payment counter. Unofficial "helpers" at DHA offices who offer to fast-track your application in exchange for cash are running a scam.

Exemptions from DHA Fees

The following persons are exempt from certain DHA fees:

• Citizens aged 60 and over: Free Smart ID card
• Persons with disability who receive a social grant: Free Smart ID card
• Children under 16: First unabridged birth certificate is free
• Indigent persons: Some documents can be obtained for free with proof of social grant receipt or SASSA card — confirm at the counter

Common Fee Errors to Avoid

1. Paying for the wrong document: Ensure you are paying for the correct document (e.g., paying for an abridged certificate when you need an unabridged one)
2. Not bringing proof of exemption: If you qualify for a fee waiver, bring your SASSA card or proof of age (your ID)
3. Paying an informal intermediary: Use the official DHA payment counter only
4. Misreading the fee gazette update: Fees change; use the calculator to confirm the current rate before your visit
5. Visa fee errors: Visa fees vary significantly by visa type and your nationality. The fee listed in your appointment letter is the correct amount — do not use an outdated fee schedule

What to Bring to Avoid Having to Pay Again

Applications that are rejected at the counter due to missing documents mean another trip and another fee in some cases (for replacement documents). Before your visit, confirm:

• All required supporting documents are present (original plus copies)
• Your payment is the correct amount in an accepted form
• For Smart ID: your green ID book plus certified copy, OR birth certificate for first-time applicants

Related Guidance

• Explore related guides: Blog hub
• Use our free tools: Home Affairs Fee Calculator

Official References

• Department of Home Affairs - www.dha.gov.za

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03. This article is informational only - verify requirements with official sources before acting.