The Heraldry Act, 1962 (Act No. 18 of 1962), provides for the registration and legal protection of coats of arms, badges, emblems, names, special names, and uniforms.

Prospective applicants are advised to study the definitions provided in the application forms and to approach the Bureau of Heraldry to ensure their proposed design does not conflict with existing registrations.

Applicants should be aware of the full registration process, including potential objections, and the legal requirements outlined by the Act. They should also refrain from seeking special treatment for their application

Yes, Anyone can apply to register a coat of arms. Individuals who can provide sufficient proof of direct ancestral descent from the original owner of a coat of arms may register it. Otherwise, new coats of arms can be designed and registered.

Applicants need to complete the application form, provide necessary documentation such as drawings of design ideas and pay the required fees. The Bureau of Heraldry can assist with design if requested.

Payments can be made in cash or by check. Revenue stamps and postal orders are not accepted. Foreign payments should be made via a bank draft drawn on a South African commercial bank.

After approval, details of the application are published in the Government Gazette for potential objections. If no valid objections are received, registration is finalized, and protection under the Heraldry Act is granted.

Yes, certain additaments indicating nobility, titles, or ranks are subject to a moratorium pending resolution by the Heraldry Council

The registration process typically involves a design phase, followed by notices of application and registration, potential objections, and the issuance of a final certificate.

The duration varies, but it can take up to two years in total. Factors such as the design phase, objection periods, and administrative processes contribute to the timeline.

Applicants must provide necessary documentation such as sketches, drawings or pictures of elements wanted in the design or as the design.

Yes, the Bureau can assist with design. Applicants should provide comprehensive background information and colour preferences for the design.

Depending on the type of application, documentation such as birth certificates, association constitutions, or detailed information about lineage may be required.

Yes, uniforms must be distinctive in colour and design. Applicants should provide precise colour specifications and accurate measurements for any design elements.

Applicants have the option to appeal the rejection in writing to the Heraldry Council within six weeks of being informed. The Council may uphold or reject the appeal.

Successful applicants are informed through publication in the Government Gazette. They are then required to pay the remaining registration fee before receiving their registration certificate.

Individuals, associations, institutions, municipal authorities, official departments, etc., who wish to register coats of arms, badges, emblems, names, special names, or uniforms are eligible to apply.

No, the Bureau of Heraldry has temporarily suspended registrations for foreign nationals to improve internal capacity. This will ensure the Bureau can meet the high demand from international applicants without impacting quality of service to local applicants.

Applicants can reach out to the Bureau of Heraldry by mail, telephone, or fax. ….

The initial amount for an application is R2309. The balance of the fee depends on the type of representation being registered or amended.

After the State Herald has notified an applicant that there has been no objection to the proposed registration, the balance of the fee shall be payable to the Bureau before the notice of registration is published. Payments can be made in cash, by check, national or international bank transfer, or international bank draft (drawn on a South African Commercial Bank).

The fees vary depending on the type of representation. Here are the categories and their associated fees:

Registration (or amendment) of a badge, flag, pennant, gonfalon, decoration, medal, seal, insignia of rank, any office, or order (excluding a coat of arms): R6102
Registration (or amendment) of arms consisting of a shield only: R5574
Registration (or amendment) of arms with a crest: R14164
Registration (or amendment) of arms with a crest and supporters: R18781
Registration (or amendment) of arms complete with crest, supporters, and special compartment: R21522

All applications should be addressed to the State Herald.

Applications should be sent to the following address:
The State Herald
Private Bag X236
PRETORIA
0001

Or via email:
State Herald
Name: Mr T Mabaso
Email (State Herald): thembam@dsac.gov.za
and
Deputy Director: Designs and Registrations
Name Mr MC van Rossum
Email (Deputy Director):marcelv@dsac.gov.za

The physical address of the Bureau of Heraldry is:
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE OF SOUTH AFRICA
24 Hamilton Street
PRETORIA

: Applicants can contact the Bureau of Heraldry using the following methods:
Telephone: (012) 441 3204
State Herald
Name: Mr T Mabaso
Email (State Herald): thembam@dsac.gov.za

Deputy Director: Designs and Registrations
Name Mr MC van Rossum
Email (Deputy Director): marcelv@dsac.gov.za