Adoption Records in South Africa

In South Africa the adoptions are maintained by the registrar of Adoptions. In some cases, older records records ( particularly pre-1940) may be held at the National Archives. 

How to access Adoption records in South Africa?

If you are looking for an adoption for the early 1900's in South Africa, we highly recommend that you start your search by visiting the National Archives and conducting a search on their search to see if the adoption records are held by them. You can access the National Archives by visiting:

Alternatively, you can make use of our National Archive Search at:

If you do not find any records, your file may be held at the Registrar of Adoptions in Pretoria. In order to access records, please see below.

Who Can Access Adoption Records?
In South Africa, access to adoption information is regulated by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, specifically Section 248. 

Access is granted if:

• The adoptee above the age 18
• Biological Parents
• Adoptive parents

The adoption register is confidential and cannot be freely accessed by the public.

Who to contact

You can contact:

Final Advice

The most important first steps in any adoption search are:

• Gather your adoptive details (names, ID, place of adoption)
• Contact the Registrar of Adoptions
• Be prepared for waiting periods (some searches take months or longer)