Vault Copy of Birth Certificate (South Africa)
R6,975.00
A vault copy is an official long-form record of a birth, retrieved from government archives. It is often required for citizenship, immigration and legal processes where the full birth registration details are needed.
Police Clear prepares and submits the application for you. Estimated 8 to 10 weeks, from R8,021.25 including VAT.
- Description
Description
Police Clear (Pty) Ltd is an independent document facilitation company. We do not issue vault copies. They are issued by the relevant government authority.
What is a vault copy of a birth certificate?
It is an official long-form record stored in government archives. It is used where the full birth registration details are needed.
When you need a vault copy
- Citizenship applications
- Immigration processes
- Legal matters requiring the original registration details
- International documentation where full birth registration is required
What we handle
- Preparing and submitting the application
- Checking the documents before submission
- Guidance on the supporting documents required
- Support through the process
What you need to start
- Your abridged birth certificate
- A copy of your ID
How long does a vault copy take?
Estimated 8 to 10 weeks, depending on archive retrieval and verification. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees.
Vault copy of birth certificate cost
| Vault copy of birth certificate assistance | From R8,021.25 including VAT |
| Turnaround | Estimated 8 to 10 weeks |
Pricing correct as at 16 September 2026. Prices include VAT at 15%, are quoted in South African rand, are subject to change without notice, and are indicative rather than an offer. A binding price is given in a written quotation. Any statutory fees charged by SAPS, Home Affairs or another authority are set by that authority and are payable in addition unless your quotation says otherwise. DIRCO does not charge for legalisation. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees. Our refund and cancellation terms are in our terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a vault copy of a birth certificate used for?
Citizenship, immigration and legal processes where the full, original birth registration details are required.
Is a vault copy the same as an unabridged birth certificate?
Not always. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, including by Home Affairs, but some authorities specifically want a copy of the original registration record. Send us the request and we will tell you which document it refers to.
How long does a vault copy take?
Estimated 8 to 10 weeks, because the record has to be retrieved from the archive and verified. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees.
This page describes a document facilitation service. It is general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Requirements and timeframes are set by the relevant department, institution or authority, and change from time to time. Confirm them with that body before you rely on them.
