Home Affairs won't allow me to apply for an ID. What must I do? The short answer The whole question I have tried to apply for an ID at Home Affairs several times, but all my attempts have been unsuccessful because they need a copy of my mother's ID. The problem is that I don't know who my mother is because I was raised by my father. I have also tried to approach Home Affairs with my birth certificate and school records but without success. What should I do? The long answer The Home Affairs website says: “All first time applicants must be accompanied by their parents or one of the parents when applying for an ID card. The parents /legal guardians of first time applicants must bring along a certified copy of their IDs as well.”