What is the DHA-73 form and who needs to fill it?

Every South African citizen who needs a passport for international travel must complete the DHA-73 — the Department of Home Affairs application form for passports and travel documents. The same form also covers maxi passports, crew member certificates, diplomatic passports, and child passports.

How much does a South African passport cost?

A standard 32-page South African passport costs R600. A 48-page maxi passport costs R1,200 and is recommended for frequent travellers who need extra pages for visas and stamps. Payment is made at the Home Affairs office at the time of application. Most offices accept cash and card payments. The fee is non-refundable once the application is processed.

What documents do I need to apply for a passport?

You need your original South African Smart ID card or valid ID book (for identity verification), two colour passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months), and payment for the passport fee. If you have a previous passport, you must surrender it with the application. For minors under 18, both parents must provide consent affidavits and an unabridged birth certificate is required.

What are the passport photo requirements for South Africa?

Passport photos must be 35mm x 45mm (passport size), in colour, taken against a white or light grey background, within the last 6 months. Your face must be clearly visible with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and eyes open. You must not wear glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons). The photo must show your head and the top of your shoulders. Professional photo studios near Home Affairs offices are familiar with these requirements.

How long does it take to get a South African passport?

Home Affairs publishes a turnaround of 13 working days for an adult passport and 18 working days for a minor's — counted from the date your application is accepted at a Home Affairs office. Many passports are ready within 7 working days, but peak periods such as December and school holidays stretch the queue beyond the published figures. There is no emergency or express passport service in South Africa. Citizens stranded abroad can apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate through a South African embassy or consulate.

Can I apply for a passport online?

You cannot complete the entire passport application online. However, you can book an appointment through the eHomeAffairs online portal (ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv3) to reduce waiting time at the office. In-person attendance is mandatory because Home Affairs must capture your fingerprints and a digital photograph. You can use FillMeIn to fill the DHA-73 form correctly at home before your visit, saving time at the counter.

Do I need to surrender my old passport when applying for a new one?

Yes. South African passports or other travel documents currently in your possession must be submitted with your new application. This applies to expired, damaged, or full passports. If your passport was lost or stolen, you must report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) first and bring the police case number to Home Affairs. Failure to surrender a previous passport may result in your application being rejected.

How do I apply for a passport for my child (minor under 18)?

For minors under 18, the child must be present at Home Affairs along with the parent or guardian submitting the application. You need the completed DHA-73 form, the child's unabridged birth certificate, both parents' IDs, two passport-size photos of the child, and written consent from both parents. If one parent is absent, deceased, or refusing consent, additional documentation such as a court order, death certificate, or sole custody order is required. Section C of the DHA-73 covers parental consent.

What happens if my passport application is rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include photographs that do not meet specifications, an incomplete or unsigned application form, failure to present a valid ID, outstanding arrest warrants or court orders, and not surrendering a previous passport. If rejected, you can correct the issue and resubmit the application — you do not need to pay the fee again if the application was not processed. Our FillMeIn tool helps prevent form-related rejections by validating all fields before you visit the office.

Can I track the status of my passport application?

Yes. You can track your passport application status on the Department of Home Affairs website using the reference number provided when you submitted your application. You can also call the Home Affairs contact centre or visit the office where you submitted your application. When your passport is ready, you will be notified to collect it. Bring your receipt and ID document for verification when collecting.

What is the difference between a standard passport and a maxi passport?

A standard South African passport has 32 pages and costs R600. A maxi passport has 48 pages and costs R1,200. Both are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. The maxi passport is recommended for frequent travellers, business travellers, or anyone who travels to countries that require full-page visas, as the extra pages provide more space for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps.

Is my personal information safe when using FillMeIn to fill the DHA-73?

Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your personal information, ID number, and all form data never leave your phone or computer — nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. This privacy-first approach means your sensitive identity information stays under your control at all times. Filling in the form and generating the PDF happens entirely on your device — your data is never uploaded, even after you download.

DHA-73 — Passport Application

Your data stays on this device.Privacy Policy

Source: Department of Home Affairs

This form is the property of Department of Home Affairs. FillMeIn is not affiliated with Department of Home Affairs.

This form has been replaced by the eHomeAffairs online portal. You can now apply for a South African passport or travel document directly online. There is no need to fill in a paper form.

Apply on eHomeAffairs

https://ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv3

Report an issue with this form