Navigating the process of obtaining birth, death, and national ID certificates in Zimbabwe can be challenging. Our comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process by providing the latest fee information, clear instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you need a birth certificate for your newborn, a replacement ID, or a death certificate for legal purposes, we have got you covered. Please know that these fees are in USD but you can pay in ZiG at the prevailing rate on the day you make payment.

National, Birth and Death Registration Fees on Monday, 23 September 2024

ServiceCost Amount in USDAmount in ZiG
Searching birth or records for any one year of any documentUS$1.0014 ZiG
Photocopying any birth or death document/pageUS$0.203 ZiG
Initial birth certifcate for persons six years or youngerUS$0.000 ZiG
Initial birth certifcate for persons above six yearsUS$5.0070 ZiG
Initial death certificateUS$2.0028 ZiG
Certified copy of an entry of birth or death certificateUS$5.0070 ZiG
An extract of an entry relating to birth or deathUS$2.0028 ZiG
A certifcate not provided elsewhereUS$2.0028 ZiG
For altering a name in register or correcting an errorUS$5.0070 ZiG
Correcting an error orignating from the DepartmentUS$0.000 ZiG
For a change of surname by notarial deedUS$50.00699 ZiG
For a change of surname by Registrar-GeneralUS$5.0070 ZiG
AuthenticationUS$20.00280 ZiG
Re-registration (for legitimacy purposes)US$20.00280 ZiG
Urgent birth/death certicateUS$10.00140 ZiG
External birth certificateUS$15.00210 ZiG
Non-citizen birth certificate (initial)US$10.00140 ZiG
Non-citizen birth certificate (duplicate)US$25.00349 ZiG
Searching ID records for any year or any document entryor other recordUS$2.0028 ZiG
For fingerprint clearanceUS$1.0014 ZiG
Urgent fingerprint clearanceUS$5.0070 ZiG
National ID (Initial registration for persons aged 16-18)US$0.000 ZiG
National ID (Initial registration for persons above 18 years)US$2.0028 ZiG
Replacement of lost or torn paper ID documentUS$5.0070 ZiG
Urgent replacement of torn or lost paper ID documentUS$10.00140 ZiG
Replacement of lost or defaced metal or plastic ID document (resident)US$10.00140 ZiG
Replacement of lost or defaced metal or plastic ID document (non-resident)US$15.00210 ZiG
Application for plastic changeover from metal ID to plastic ID (resident)US$20.00280 ZiG
Application for plastic changeover from metal ID to plastic ID (non-resident)US$30.00419 ZiG
Correction of ID error due to applicant on paper IDUS$10.00140 ZiG
Correction of an error due to applicant on plastic IDUS$25.00349 ZiG
Correction of error due to DepartmentUS$0.000 ZiG
Change of name on plastic, metal or paper IDUS$0.000 ZiG
Change of name on plastic, metal or paper ID other than after marriageUS$25.00349 ZiG
Change of citizen statusUS$40.00559 ZiG
Change of name on ID by notarial deedUS$100.001 398 ZiG
Birth and Death Certificate Fees

Last Updated on Wednesday 31 January 2024 at 17:05:46 Central Africa Time

Citizen Status Fees on Monday, 23 September 2024

ServiceCost Amount in USDAmount in ZiG
Searching a set of citizen records/set US$10.00140 ZiG
Making a photocopy of any document/PageUS$0.101 ZiG
Issuance of a Temporary Travel Document (TTD)US$40.00N/A
Certificate of confirmation of citizenship (citizenship status certificate)US$50.00699 ZiG
Certificate of registration of citizenship by descent (adult)US$50.00699 ZiG
Certificate of registration of citizenship by descent (minor)US$50.00699 ZiG
Certificate of renunciation of Zimbabwean citizenshipUS$200.002 796 ZiG
Restoration of citizenship by descentUS$50.00699 ZiG
Restoration of citizenship otherwise than descentUS$1,000.0013 978 ZiG
Restoration of citizenship by SADC descentants under Section 9A of the ActUS$50.00699 ZiG
Initial registration as a citizen of a foreign permanent resident (minor/adult)US$5,000.00N/A
Birth and Death Certificate Fees

Last Updated on Wednesday 31 January 2024 at 17:30:12 Central Africa Time

Note

  • Prices are indexed in USD but can be paid in ZiG at the prevailing interbank rate. Check the current interbank rate here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Who can apply for a Zimbabwean birth certificate?

Either parent can apply for a birth certificate. If the parents are legally married, either parent can register the child but must bring the national identity card of the other spouse. If the parents are not legally married, both parents must be present to sign a declaration of paternity.

What documents are required to apply for a Zimbabwean birth certificate?

For children born in a hospital:
Birth confirmation record from the hospital or clinic
Mother and father’s national identity cards
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
For children born out of a hospital:
Baptismal certificate or
One witness with a national identity card, preferably a midwife, or a letter from the farmer if born on a farm

How much does it cost to get a birth certificate for a newborn?

The cost for an initial birth certificate for newborns is US$5.00 or the equivalent in ZiG (see the table above for ZiG fees)

Can single mothers register their children?

Yes, single mothers can register their children under their maiden name if the biological father refuses to acknowledge paternity or if his whereabouts are unknown

What are the requirements for obtaining a national ID?

Initial ID for persons above 16 years requires:
Long birth certificate
Parent’s national ID cards
If applicable, a marriage certificate.

How much is the replacement fee for a lost national ID?

The replacement fee for a lost national ID is US$10.00 or the equivalent of US$10.00 in ZiG

How do I correct an error on my birth or death certificate?

You can apply for a correction at the Registrar’s office. The fee for correcting an error is US$5.00 or the equivalent of this in ZiG. Documentary evidence, such as school certificates or hospital records, must be produced to substantiate the correction

How long does it take to process a birth certificate?

The normal processing time for a birth certificate is up to 5 working days. Urgent processing takes 24 hours. Sometimes a birth certificate can be produced in as little as 30 minutes. It all depends on circumstances and if there is a backlog or an issue at the Registrar’s Offices

Can non-citizens apply for birth certificates in Zimbabwe?

Non-citizens can apply for birth certificates only if they are eligible for citizenship. The fee is US$50.00 for an initial certificate and US$30.00 for a duplicate

What is required for the registration of a death certificate?

To register a death, the following are required:
Death entry number of the deceased
Marriage certificate if the deceased was married
If customarily married or cohabiting, the spouse must call at the office with relatives of the deceased

How much does it cost to replace a lost birth certificate?

The cost to replace a lost birth certificate is US$5.00 or the equivalent of this in ZiG

What are the requirements for applying for a marriage certificate?

Requirements include national ID cards for both parties and in some cases, a pre-marriage counselling certificate.

Can I apply for my child’s birth certificate without the father’s ID?

Yes, but the birth certificate will only include the mother’s details unless the father is present to sign the declaration of paternity

How much is the fee for fingerprint clearance?

The fee for fingerprint clearance is US$5.00 or the equivalent in ZiG. Urgent fingerprint clearance costs US$10.00 or the equivalent in ZiG.

What documents are needed to replace a lost national ID?

To replace a lost national ID, you need the long birth certificate, a police report, and the replacement fee.

Can grandparents register a birth for their grandchildren?

Yes, grandparents can register a birth if the parents are deceased or unavailable, but they need to provide proof of their relationship and the relevant documents

How do I obtain a death certificate for someone who died abroad?

You need to provide the original death certificate issued abroad, translated into English if necessary, and the deceased’s national ID or passport

What is the fee for re-registration for legitimacy purposes?

The fee for re-registration for legitimacy purposes is US$20.00.

How do I change the name on a birth certificate after marriage?

To change the name on a birth certificate after marriage, you need the original birth certificate, your marriage certificate, and a fee of US$5.00 or the equivalent in ZiG.

What are the requirements for registering a child born out of wedlock?

f the parents are not legally married, both parents’ national identity cards and the birth confirmation record from the hospital are required. Both parents must be present to sign a declaration of paternity. Single mothers can register the child under their maiden name if the father does not acknowledge paternity or his whereabouts are unknown.

Can children born out of hospital be registered?

Yes, children born out of hospital can be registered with a baptismal certificate or a witness with a national identity card. In the case of a child born on a farm, a witness or a letter from the farmer is required

What are the requirements for self-registration of a birth?

Applicants must provide their national identity card, a baptismal certificate (if applicable), the national identity card of a near relative, and a letter from their employer (if employed). Citizenship status must be established beyond doubt.

What is the process for late birth registration?

Late birth registration can be done for children born in a medical institution or outside a medical institution after one year from the date of birth. Requirements vary based on the circumstances of the birth and the parent’s marital status.

How long does it take to issue a duplicate birth or death certificate?

The minimum processing time for a normal duplicate birth or death certificate is 5 working days. Urgent processing takes 24 hours.

Can a child be registered without the father’s presence?

Yes, if the father is unwilling or unavailable, the child can still be registered under the mother’s name alone

What are the requirements for replacing a plastic ID card?

Requirements include the long birth certificate, the current plastic ID card (if available), and a police report for lost IDs

Can a married woman use her maiden name to register her child?

Yes, a married woman can choose to use her maiden name or her husband’s surname for registering her child

How does the Registrar General’s office handle children born in different districts?

Children must be registered in the district where they were born, but in exceptional cases, the Registrar General may allow registration in a different district

What is the importance of a birth certificate?

A birth certificate is essential for accessing health services, enrolling in school, and claiming inheritance rights. It serves as the first official form of identity linking an individual to their state and securing their rights as a citizen

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