What is NameFlow - Digital name change assistant?

Your calm, personalized digital assistant for navigating legal name changes step-by-step after marriage, divorce, or other life events.

How do I legally change my name in South Africa?

Submit a DHA-9 form at the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need your ID, birth certificate, and an affidavit explaining your reason. The process takes 4–8 weeks and costs R70–R140.

Do I need to go to Home Affairs if I changed my name after marriage?

Yes — but only to get a new ID document. Your marriage certificate is the legal proof of your name change. You don't need to complete a separate DHA-9 form if you're adopting your spouse's surname.

What is a DHA-9 form?

The DHA-9 is the official application form for alteration of forename or surname in South Africa, available at any Department of Home Affairs office.

Can I change my name online in South Africa?

Not yet — the name change application must be done in person at a Home Affairs office. However, some follow-up updates (like SARS eFiling) can be done online once you have your new ID.

How long does the full name change process take?

The Home Affairs approval takes 4–8 weeks. Getting a new ID card takes another 2–6 weeks. Updating all other documents typically takes a further 2–6 weeks. Allow 3–5 months for a full name update.

Does my ID number change when I change my name?

No — your South African ID number is permanent and does not change when you change your name. Only the name on your ID document changes.

What does it cost to change my name in South Africa?

The DHA-9 application costs R70–R140. A new Smart ID card costs R140. A new passport costs R400–R600. Banking and most other updates are free. Budget approximately R700–R1,000 in total.

🇿🇦 Name Change Hub

Change Your Name in South Africa

From DHA-9 form to Smart ID, passport, banking, and SARS — your complete guide to a legal name change in South Africa.

Free · 2 minutes · South Africa-specific guidance

Guides Step Order FAQ Get Started ↓

South Africa Name Change Guides

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Name Change by DHA-9 Form

How to legally change your name via the Department of Home Affairs.

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Marriage Name Change

Using your marriage certificate to update your name across all institutions.

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Divorce Name Reversion

Reverting to your previous name after divorce using your divorce order.

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Passport Update

Applying for a South African passport in your new name.

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Driver's Licence Update

Updating your driver's licence at your local DLTC.

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Banking & SARS

Notifying your bank, SARS eFiling, and financial institutions.

The correct order matters

Many institutions require photo ID updated before they'll accept your name change. Follow this order to avoid blocked applications.

Department of Home Affairs

Update Your Smart ID Card

Passport

Driver's Licence

SARS & Banking

Employer, Medical Aid & Utilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Get your free South Africa checklist

Personalised to your situation — every institution you need to notify, in the right order.

Free · No credit card · South Africa-specific

NameFlow provides guidance and organisational tools and is not a legal service. For specific legal advice, please consult a qualified attorney.