Blank Dha 73 Passport PDF Template

1. What is the purpose of the DHA-73 form?

   The DHA-73 form is utilized by the Republic of South Africa's Department of Home Affairs for individuals applying for a South African passport or travel document. This form serves multiple purposes, allowing applicants to request various types of passports, including tourist passports for those aged 16 and above or under 16, crew member certificates, maxi passports, documents for travel purposes, emergency passports (certificates), diplomatic passports, official passports, and temporary passports. It is a comprehensive application that requires detailed personal information, evidence of identity, and, in the case of minors, consent from parents or guardians.

2. Who needs to complete the Certificate of Consent section in the DHA-73 form?

   The Certificate of Consent section is specifically designed for minors, defined as individuals who have not yet reached the age of 18 years. This part must be completed by both parents or the legal guardians of the minor applying for a passport. The form mandates the written consent of both parents or guardians to process the application. In instances where a minor child is born out of wedlock, raised by a foster family, or under a guardianship that differs from their biological parents, the Children’s Act, 2005, comes into play, offering specific guidelines on the consent needed. Exceptions to this requirement include situations where one parent is deceased, absent under special circumstances, or has refused consent, wherein a competent court’s directive can override the requirement for dual parental consent.

3. Can an application be completed if a parent or guardian is absent or refuses consent?

   Yes, there are specific provisions within the DHA-73 form that address scenarios where a parent or guardian is either absent or refuses to provide consent. In cases where one parent has passed away, the surviving parent must state this fact. If a parent is absent due to special circumstances or refuses to give consent, the form acknowledges the possibility of securing written consent in an alternative form, such as a letter from the absent parent. Furthermore, if a parent or guardian outright refuses consent, the matter can be taken to a competent court, where an order can be issued to proceed with the passport application without the said consent. This also applies to divorced parents or cases where sole guardianship has been granted by the court, thus removing the need for the other parent's or parents' consent.

4. What happens if the passport is not claimed within the stipulated timeframe?

   Applicants are advised that failure to claim the passport within three months from its date of issue will result in the passport being destroyed. Additionally, the applicant will forfeit the fee paid for the passport application. This policy underscores the importance of timely follow-up and collection of the passport by applicants to avoid unnecessary loss of both the document and the financial investment made for its issuance. It is therefore crucial for applicants to monitor the status of their application and make arrangements to collect their passport as soon as they are informed of its availability.

Filling out the DHA-73 passport application form for a South African passport requires attention to detail. Avoiding common mistakes can streamline the process and help ensure that your application is processed without unnecessary delays. Here are seven common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Not marking the appropriate box for the type of passport needed. Whether it's a tourist passport for an individual above 16, a child under 16, or any other specific type of passport, it's crucial to clearly indicate your specific need.

2. Providing incorrect or incomplete personal details. Every piece of information from your surname, forenames in full, previous surname(s), marital status, date of birth, country and place of birth, to your gender and identity number must be accurately filled in.

3. Omitting contact information or entering it incorrectly. This includes your home, work, and cell phone numbers. If these details are incorrect, it might hinder communication regarding your application.

4. Failing to provide the necessary consent for minors. For applicants under the age of 18, the consent of both parents or guardians is required. This oversight can result in significant delays.

5. Forgetting to sign the declaration section or having the incorrect person sign it. The signature is a critical part of the application, verifying the authenticity of the information provided.

6. Not including the required documents, such as photographs and means of identity. These documents are essential for verifying the applicant's identity and eligibility for a passport.

7. Ignoring the need to specify citizenship details, especially if dual citizenship is held or if previous travel facilities have been issued. This information is crucial for the Department of Home Affairs to process the application accordingly.

Awareness of these pitfalls and careful review of your application can make the process smoother. Ensuring that all sections of the form are completed accurately and thoroughly, and that all necessary documents are included with your submission, can help avoid delays and complications in issuing your South African passport.

When applying for a South African passport or travel document using the DHA-73 form, applicants might need to accompany their application with various other forms and documents to ensure complete and compliant processing. These documents are essential both for verifying the identity of the applicant and for adhering to the legal and procedural requirements set forth by the South African Department of Home Affairs. The brief descriptions below aim to elucidate the purpose and importance of each document commonly associated with the DHA-73 form.

• Birth Certificate: This serves as a primary document to establish the applicant's identity, including their date and place of birth. It is vital for all applicants, especially minors, to substantiate the information provided in the passport application form.
• Marriage Certificate: For individuals who have changed their surname through marriage, a marriage certificate must be provided. This document confirms the name change and ensures that the passport reflects the current legal name of the applicant.
• Parental Consent form for Minors (DHA-156 Form): Required when applying for a passport for a minor under 18 years old. This form needs to be completed and signed by both parents or legal guardians to grant permission for the passport issuance to the minor. It is crucial for ensuring the protection and lawful international travel of minors.
• Court Order for Guardianship or Sole Custody (if applicable): In situations where a single parent or legal guardian has sole custody, a court order substantiating this status must be provided. This document is necessary to clarify guardianship arrangements and consent for passport application in special circumstances.

Each document plays a pivotal role in supplementing the DHA-73 passport application form, ensuring that the application meets the full spectrum of legal requirements. Applicants should ensure these documents are accurate, up-to-date, and promptly submitted alongside their passport applications to avoid any delays or complications in the processing of their South African passport or travel document. The aim of requiring these supplementary documents is to safeguard the interests of the applicants by confirming their identities and statuses, thereby upholding both national and international legal standards.

• The DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport shares similarities with the DHA-73 form in that both require exhaustive personal details from applicants, including name, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, and citizenship details. Additionally, they mandate the provision of parental consent for minors applying for a passport.

• The Form I-131, Application for Travel Document by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services resembles the DHA-73 in its purpose of requesting a travel document, although for different circumstances like re-entry permits and refugee travel documentation. Both forms entail declarations and personal information pertinent to the issuance of travel documents.

• The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) employed by the United States for visa waiver program entrants parallels the DHA-73 form through its necessity for personal and passport information to grant travel authorization, despite the differences in scope and detail of information requested.

• DS-3053: Statement of Consent for Issuing a Passport to a Child is analogous to sections of the DHA-73 that deal with parental consent for minor passport applications, requiring details of the child and signatures from parents or guardians.

• The Canadian Passport Application shares proximity with the DHA-73 form in the requirement for detailed personal information, parental consent for minors, and declarations regarding the truthfulness of the provided information for the purpose of issuing a passport.

• Visa Application Forms (e.g., Schengen Visa Application) align with the DHA-73 form concerning the requirement for detailed personal information, travel details, and sometimes, biometric data to process the application, although for the specific aim of obtaining a visa rather than a passport.

• The UK Passport Application is similar to the DHA-73 form by necessitating comprehensive personal details, guidance for first-time applicants or renewals, and the requirement for parental consent for applicants under 16, aiming to ensure the applicant's eligibility for a passport.

• Application for Birth Certificate forms in many jurisdictions resemble parts of the DHA-73 form, particularly in their necessity for detailed personal information about an individual and their parents, required for the document's issuance which is also a foundational document required in the passport application process.

When filling out the DHA-73 form for a South African passport or travel document, applicants should ensure accuracy and completeness to facilitate a smooth processing experience. Here are key dos and don'ts to consider:

• Use black ink: Complete the form using black ink to ensure that all information is legible and can be scanned correctly.
• Read instructions carefully: Before beginning, take time to read through the entire form, including any specific instructions, to avoid common mistakes.
• Check your details: Double-check the accuracy of all personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and identity number, to ensure they match your official documents.
• Provide valid consent: For minors, ensure that the consent section is correctly filled out and signed by both parents or guardians, as applicable, to avoid delays.

• Leave sections blank: Do not skip any sections or leave them blank. If a section does not apply to you, indicate with an "N/A" for "not applicable."
• Use correction fluid: Avoid using correction fluid or tape. Mistakes should be neatly crossed out, and the correct information should be written next to it.
• Sign prematurely: Do not sign the form until instructed to do so by a passport officer or authorized Department of Home Affairs official, as certain sections may require witnessing.
• Forget supporting documents: Make sure not to submit your form without the required supporting documents, such as identification, photographs, and any other necessary credentials.

• One common misconception is that the DHA-73 form is only for adult passport applications. However, the form is versatile and used for both adults and minors, including applications for tourist passports for persons under 16, as well as for other types of travel documents like temporary passports and emergency certificates.

• Many people mistakenly believe that the photograph requirements for the DHA-73 are lenient. In reality, strict guidelines must be followed regarding photo size, background color, and the way an applicant's face is presented. The form specifically requires photos that are a true image of the applicant, endorsing the stringent standards set forth.

• Another incorrect assumption is that thumbprints are optional. For applicants 16 years and older, thumbprints are a mandatory part of the application process, as explicitly stated in the form's instructions.

• It's often thought that minors can apply for passports without parental consent. The DHA-73 form clarifies that minors require the written consent of both parents or guardians, except under special circumstances where one parent is deceased, unavailable, or if a court order states otherwise.

• Some applicants believe that only the signature of one parent or guardian is necessary for a minor's passport application. However, unless specific exceptions apply, the form requires signatures from both parents or legal guardians to ensure full consent is given for the issuance of the passport.

• A common misconception is that if a passport is not claimed within three months, it will remain at the office until collected. The form states clearly that unclaimed passports will be destroyed after three months, and the applicant will forfeit the fee paid, highlighting the importance of timely collection.

• Many people misunderstand the declaration section, assuming it is mere formality. However, this part of the DHA-73 is a legal declaration that the information provided is accurate and truthful. It holds significant legal weight and must be treated with sincerity and accuracy.

• Lastly, there is a misconception that the DHA-73 form can be submitted without the current passport or travel document if it is still valid. In reality, all present travel documents must be submitted with the application, unless they are lost, stolen, or damaged, as per the application instructions. This ensures that all travel records are up to date and properly regulated.

When completing the DHA 73 Passport Form for the Republic of South Africa, understanding key details is essential for a smooth application process. Here are ten key takeaways:

• There are multiple passport options available: Tourist Passport (for persons 16 and above and for those under 16), Maxi Passport, Emergency Passport, Diplomatic Passport, Official Passport, Temporary Passport, and Document for Travel Purposes. Applicants need to mark the applicable choice with an "X".
• Particulars of the Applicant section requires detailed personal information, including full name, previous surname(s) (if any), marital status, date of birth, country and place of birth, postal address, gender, identity number, and contact details.
• For applicants 16 years and older, a left thumbprint is required on the form, whereas for those under the age of 16, this may not be applicable.
• A photo of the applicant must be attached to the form. This photo must be a recent, color photograph that accurately represents the applicant.
• The form necessitates an official's certification, verifying the applicant's identity and the authenticity of the attached photo. This includes the signature of an officer authorized by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Consent for minors under the age of 18 involves additional steps. The form must be signed by both parents or guardians, although exceptions exist, such as cases involving deceased parents, guardianship, or instances where sole guardianship has been granted by a court.
• It's essential to understand that only children whose births are registered according to the Births and Deaths Registration Act can be issued a passport.
• In cases where one parent is absent or refuses consent, alternative forms of written consent are considered. However, if consent is wholly unavailable, a court order might be necessary to proceed with the application.
• Applicants possessing dual citizenship must disclose their acquired citizenship of another country and provide specific details including country, place obtained, means of obtaining, and date.
• The declaration section at the end of the form requires the applicant's signature, asserting the accuracy of the information provided and agreeing that undaimed passports will be destroyed after three months from the issue date, with the fee forfeited.

Adherence to the specific requirements and detailed completion of the DHA 73 form is crucial for the successful issuance of a South African passport or travel document.