Been specifically asked for a vault copy of your South African birth record? Start your case online and let us manage the South African retrieval process, with apostille and worldwide delivery available where required.
A vault birth certificate, often described as a vault copy of the birth registration, is different from the standard full or unabridged birth certificate issued through the South African Department of Home Affairs.
Rather than simply requesting the issued certificate, a vault request concerns the underlying birth registration record held in the South African records system. This can be relevant where a foreign authority, citizenship process or legal matter specifically asks for a vault copy, original birth registration record or supporting record behind the birth certificate.
It is important not to order a vault record simply because it sounds more detailed. Many applications only require a normal full or unabridged birth certificate. The correct choice should be based on the wording and requirements given to you by the authority that will receive the document.
If you have been given a document checklist or written request and are unsure what it means, create your SA Docs account and show us what you have been asked for. We can listen to the requirement and help guide you towards the appropriate service.
Create an account and ask us →Vault cases are more specific than a standard birth certificate application. The best place to start is with the wording supplied by the authority that needs your document.
If you have an email, checklist, citizenship requirement or other written instruction referring to a vault copy, original birth registration or underlying birth record, keep it available when you create your SA Docs case.
We can then understand what you are trying to achieve, collect the relevant identity and family information and determine the appropriate South African retrieval route.
