How do I register?

To vote in South Africa’s elections, you must register as a voter. You only have to register once, unless you move (within South Africa) or your voting district boundaries change.

Who can register?

You must:
  • be a South African citizen;
  • be at least 16 years old (you can only vote from age 18); and,
  • have a green, barcoded South African identity document (ID), smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary identity certificate (TIC).
  • To Register within South Africa

    When and where can I register?
    Make an appointment to apply for registration during office hours at the local IEC office responsible for your voting district. Please always phone first to make an appointment.
    Register to vote using our Online Voter Registration Service until the date of proclamation of the election. You can use our Voter Information Portal site to register to vote or update your current voter information, view your current address, request a special vote, find a voting location, view important election dates (upcoming election in your ward).
    What documents do I need to apply for registration?
    Whether you are registering online or in person, you must provide your South African ID, either:
  • Green, barcoded ID book, or
  • Smartcard ID, or
  • Valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC).
  • No other forms of identification are accepted. Only original documents from the Department of Home Affairs are accepted.
    What happens when I apply?
  • Go to your local IEC office;
  • Complete the registration form;
  • Your identity document book is scanned;
  • A barcoded sticker is pasted in your green ID book or on your valid Temporary Identity Certificate.
  • Please note that completing the form and receiving a barcoded sticker or receipt doesn't mean that you're registered, it only means that you've applied for registration. Your application must still be processed (may take up to 7 working days).
    How do I know if or where I'm registered?
    To check your registration details, you can:
  • send an SMS with your ID number to 32810 (R1.00 per SMS);
  • download our mobile app and enter your ID number;
  • Check your voter registration details;
  • or check at your local IEC office during office hours.
  • When do I have to re-register?
    We continuously strive to provide a better voting experience for voters by ensuring accessibility to voting stations and trying to reduce long queues on Election Day.
    To help us achieve this, you need to re-register when:
  • your home address changes
  • we inform you that your voting district boundaries have changed.
  • Important: During municipal elections and by-elections, you must vote at the voting station where you are registered, so it is important to re-register whenever you move or your voting district boundaries change.

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