An unabridged birth certificate is a document that contains the first name and surname, date of birth, place of birth, ID number, sex and country of birth of the individual. It also includes information of both biological parents or legal guardians.

In terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 all children born in South Africa must be registered within 30 days of their birth. Once the child’s birth has been registered, an unabridged birth certificate is issued free of charge.