When a child’s birth is registered with the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa, the completed DHA24 form (or BI24 form for older copies) is sent to the archives at the head office. Archives create a file for each citizen, and the DHA24 form is placed in the file, which is then kept in the Vault at Head Office. A Vault copy is a certified copy of this registration form, stamped and signed by the Director General, indicating that it is a true copy.