In short: A Smart ID is a Department of Home Affairs document. FNB does not “issue” Smart IDs as a bank product. At selected FNB branches you can complete Home Affairs biometrics for eligible applications. Home Affairs’ partner-branch (Digital Partnership) route is for green ID book to Smart ID and Smart ID re-issues, not first-time IDs. Some FNB branches still use the older eHomeAffairs book-and-pay path. FNB’s branch page says replacing a Smart ID at FNB requires an FNB customer with an active, funded transactional account so you can approve payment in the FNB App or Online Banking. Confirm live on FNB and Home Affairs before you travel. Not financial advice.
Sources: FNB Smart ID and Passports at FNB Branches; Home Affairs: apply via partner bank branch; Home Affairs identity documents; Home Affairs fees; Government media statement: Home Affairs, FNB and Standard Bank partnership.
What FNB actually offers
FNB’s branch page describes applying or renewing a Smart ID or passport by registering and paying online, then visiting a participating FNB branch with Home Affairs representation for fingerprints and a photograph. On that eHomeAffairs-style path you approve payment via the FNB App or Online Banking under Government Bills / Smart IDs. Payments are not taken as ordinary cash, debit or credit at the branch on that path.
Separately, Home Affairs’ Digital Partnership partner-branch page says customers do not need to log onto eHomeAffairs first to book or pay; the participating bank handles the branch experience for eligible re-issues and green-book conversions. Which FNB outlets use which model changes as branches roll out. Use FNB’s live branch finder / Smart ID messaging and Home Affairs’ partner-branch locator rather than an old third-party list.
First-time ID: use Home Affairs (or the path Home Affairs names)
If you have never had an ID and need a first identity document from age 16, Home Affairs still directs that case to Home Affairs offices (or another official channel Home Affairs names). Bank Digital Partnership messaging focuses on green-book conversion and Smart ID re-issues. Do not arrive at an FNB branch expecting a first-time ID unless Home Affairs and FNB both say that branch handles your case.
Do you need an FNB account?
For the FNB branch replacement path described on FNB’s site, FNB states the service is for FNB customers with an active, funded transactional account, because payment approval runs through the FNB App or Online Banking. Do not assume a walk-in without an FNB account will work. Government partnership announcements have described a broader long-term rollout; your practical test is still what FNB and Home Affairs show for that branch on the day you go.
What it costs (confirm live)
Home Affairs identity-documents material lists a R140 re-issue fee for Smart ID re-issue themes, and notes that senior citizens aged 60 or older converting a green barcoded ID book to a Smart ID may pay no Home Affairs fee for that conversion. First-time applicants are described with no Home Affairs payment on that page. Always check the live Home Affairs fees / tariffs page. FNB points you to Home Affairs tariffs rather than publishing a separate FNB price list for the civic fee.
What to bring and how collection works
- Documents Home Affairs lists for your case (green book or old Smart ID / affidavit themes for re-issue; supporting civil documents where status changed).
- Attend in person for biometrics; someone else generally cannot complete fingerprints and photo for you.
- Collect at the branch or collection option you chose when the application was submitted, once Home Affairs / the bank notifies you.
Other banks (light cross-link)
Capitec’s Digital Partnership experience is separate: Smart ID at Capitec. Absa, Nedbank and Standard Bank have their own branch lists. Use the bank you will actually visit.
Home Affairs warns against unofficial “helpers” and bribes. Pay only through official FNB or Home Affairs channels for your route.
Last checked: September 2026 against FNB’s Smart ID branch page, Home Affairs partner-branch and identity-documents pages, Home Affairs fees themes, and the government FNB partnership statement. Participating branches, eligibility and totals change. Confirm before you travel. Not financial advice.