How to Get Your Smart ID at Banks in South Africa

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How to Get Your Smart ID at Banks in South Africa

Skip the Home Affairs queues and apply at your bank

Last updated: October 2025

Quick Facts

  • 8 major banks now offer Smart ID services
  • You don’t need to be a bank customer to use this service
  • Cost: R140 (free for first-time applicants aged 16-18 and pensioners 60+)
  • Processing time: Usually 14 working days
  • No walk-ins allowed – you must book online first

What is a Smart ID Card?

A Smart ID card is the new South African identity document that is replacing the old green ID book. It’s a credit card-sized plastic card with a microchip that stores your personal information securely.

The good news: You can now get your Smart ID at selected bank branches without standing in long queues at Home Affairs offices. The government is working to have 1,000 bank branches offering this service by 2029.

Even better: Banks like FNB, Standard Bank, and Capitec will soon allow you to apply through their mobile banking apps, and your Smart ID will be delivered to your home!

✅ Which Banks Offer Smart ID Services?

As of October 2025, eight major banks are partnering with the Department of Home Affairs to offer Smart ID and passport services:

Bank Number of Branches Expansion Plans
FNB 15 branches 240 branches by end of 2026
Standard Bank 20 branches 300 branches by 2027
Capitec 10 branches 100 branches by early 2026
Nedbank 5 branches Expansion planned
ABSA 5 branches Expansion planned
African Bank Selected branches Recently joined – expanding
Discovery Bank 1 branch (Sandton) More locations planned
Investec 1 branch (Sandton) Limited expansion planned
💡 Important: You do NOT need to be a customer of the bank to use their Smart ID service. These services are available to all South Africans.

How the Bank Smart ID Process Works

Getting your Smart ID at a bank is faster and more convenient than going to Home Affairs. Here’s why:

✓ No long queues – Banks use an appointment system

✓ Professional service – Bank staff are trained to help you

✓ Convenient locations – Banks are easier to reach than some Home Affairs offices

✓ Same official process – Your ID is issued by Home Affairs, just collected at the bank

✓ Coming soon – Apply through banking apps and get home delivery

⚠️ What You Need to Apply

The documents you need depend on your situation:

For Replacing Your Green ID Book:

  • Your green barcoded ID book (bring the original)
  • Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
  • R140 payment (if between 18-59 years old)

For First-Time Applicants (16+ years):

  • Birth certificate (unabridged copy)
  • Both parents’ ID documents (certified copies)
  • Proof of address
  • Free if you’re 16-18 years old or 60+ years old
  • R140 if you’re between 19-59 years old

If Your ID Was Lost or Stolen:

  • Affidavit from police station (stating ID was lost/stolen)
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of address
  • R140 payment
⚠️ Important: If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you to the bank appointment.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Register on eHomeAffairs Website

Go to the official eHomeAffairs website and create your account:

  1. Visit the eHomeAffairs portal
  2. Click “Register” and enter your personal details
  3. Create a strong password
  4. Verify your cellphone number with the OTP (One-Time Pin) they send you
  5. Answer security questions

Step 2: Complete Your Application Online

Log in and fill out your Smart ID application:

  1. Log into your eHomeAffairs account
  2. Select “Smart ID Card” from the menu
  3. Complete all sections of the online form carefully
  4. Double-check all information before submitting
  5. Upload any required documents (scan or take clear photos)

Step 3: Pay the Fee Online

Make your payment through the banking portal:

  1. You’ll be directed to pay R140 (or R0 if eligible for free)
  2. Use your online banking to complete payment
  3. Search for “Department of Home Affairs” or “DHA” in your bank’s payment section
  4. Use the reference number provided by eHomeAffairs
  5. Save your payment receipt – you’ll need it!

Step 4: Book Your Bank Appointment

Choose which bank branch you want to visit:

  1. After payment, you’ll be able to book an appointment
  2. Choose a bank that offers Smart ID services (doesn’t have to be your bank)
  3. Select a convenient branch location
  4. Pick a date and time that works for you
  5. Confirm your appointment and print the confirmation

Note: You must visit the bank within 60 days of your online application.

Step 5: Visit the Bank for Biometrics

On your appointment day, bring everything to the bank:

  1. Your appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone)
  2. Your green ID book or birth certificate (original documents)
  3. Payment receipt
  4. Any other documents you uploaded online

At the bank, they will:

  • Take your photograph
  • Scan your fingerprints
  • Verify your documents
  • The whole process takes about 15-30 minutes

Step 6: Collect Your Smart ID

Wait for your notification and collect your card:

  1. You’ll receive an SMS when your Smart ID is ready (usually 10-14 working days)
  2. Go back to the same bank branch where you did your biometrics
  3. Bring your SMS notification and your old ID or identification
  4. Collect your new Smart ID card
  5. Check that all details on the card are correct before leaving

💰 Costs and Fees

Service Cost
First Smart ID (Ages 16-18) FREE
First Smart ID (Ages 60+, Pensioners) FREE
Smart ID Replacement/Reissue (Ages 19-59) R140
Replacing Green ID with Smart ID (Ages 19-59) R140
Lost/Stolen ID Replacement R140
Temporary ID (while waiting) R70
💡 Money-Saving Tip: There are no extra bank fees for using this service. You only pay the official Home Affairs fee of R140. Be very careful of anyone asking for more money – it’s likely a scam!

🚨 Watch Out for These Scams

Unfortunately, criminals are taking advantage of people who need Smart IDs. Here are the most common scams in 2025:

Scam #1: Fake “Helpers” Outside Banks

People offering to “help” you apply for a fee outside banks or Home Affairs offices. They may charge R500-R1,000 to “speed up” your application or promise they can help without an appointment.

The truth: No one can speed up your application. The process is the same for everyone. Only pay the official R140 fee.

Scam #2: Fake WhatsApp Messages

Messages claiming to be from Home Affairs or banks saying your Smart ID is ready but you need to pay extra fees or confirm details through WhatsApp.

The truth: Home Affairs only sends SMS notifications. They will never ask for payments or personal information via WhatsApp, email, or phone calls.

Scam #3: Fake Websites

Websites that look like the official eHomeAffairs site but ask for banking details or charge higher fees.

The truth: Always check the website address carefully. The official site is run by the Department of Home Affairs. Never enter your banking password on any website claiming to be Home Affairs.

Scam #4: “Police Officer” Calls

Criminals calling and pretending to be police officers saying your ID was used for fraud and you need to pay a fine or provide personal information.

The truth: SAPS (South African Police Service) never investigates cases via WhatsApp or phone calls. Never transfer money to someone claiming to be a police officer who contacts you this way.

🚨 If You’re a Victim:
  • Report to SAPS immediately
  • Call SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre)
  • Contact your bank if you shared banking details
  • Report to Home Affairs at 0800 60 11 90

✅ Helpful Tips for a Smooth Process

Before You Start:

  • Gather all your documents first before starting the online application
  • Take clear photos or scans of documents – blurry images will delay your application
  • Make sure your green ID book is not too damaged – if it’s falling apart, go to Home Affairs first
  • Check if you have an unabridged birth certificate (the long one with parents’ details)

During the Application:

  • Save your eHomeAffairs login details somewhere safe
  • Write down your reference number after payment
  • Take a screenshot of your appointment confirmation
  • Double-check all information before submitting – mistakes cause delays

For Your Bank Appointment:

  • Arrive 10 minutes early
  • Dress neatly – the photo on your ID will be used for 15+ years
  • Remove glasses, hats, and scarves for the photo (unless for religious reasons)
  • Make sure your hands are clean for fingerprint scanning
  • Bring both original documents and copies

After Your Appointment:

  • Keep your old ID book until you collect the Smart ID
  • Don’t throw away your SMS notification – you need it to collect
  • If you don’t receive SMS after 3 weeks, call 0800 60 11 90
  • Check all details on your new Smart ID before leaving the bank
✅ Best Banks to Choose:

Pick a bank branch close to where you live or work, since you’ll need to go there twice (for biometrics and collection). Standard Bank and FNB currently have the most branches with this service.

⚠️ Common Problems and Solutions

Problem Solution
Can’t log into eHomeAffairs Use the “Forgot Password” option or call 0800 60 11 90 for help
Payment not reflecting Wait 24 hours. If still not showing, contact your bank with the reference number
No available appointments Check daily – new slots open regularly. Try different bank branches
SMS not received after 3 weeks Call Home Affairs at 0800 60 11 90 with your reference number
Wrong details on Smart ID Do NOT accept the card. Tell bank staff immediately – they must reissue it
Lost your old ID before collecting Smart ID Get an affidavit from police station and bring it when collecting your Smart ID

📞 Important Contact Numbers

Department of Home Affairs Call Centre 0800 60 11 90
eHomeAffairs Technical Support Visit the eHomeAffairs website
SABRIC (Report Banking Scams) Contact through your bank
SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111
Banking Ombudsman (Complaints) 0860 800 900

Our Final Recommendations

Getting your Smart ID at a bank is faster and more convenient than going to Home Affairs. With over 30 bank branches already offering this service and hundreds more coming by 2026, this is the best way to upgrade from your green ID book.

The key to success is being prepared. Gather all your documents first, follow the online application process carefully, and book your appointment early as slots fill up quickly.

Remember: You don’t need to be a customer of the bank to use their Smart ID service. The official cost is only R140 (or free if you qualify). If anyone asks for more money or offers to “speed up” your application, it’s a scam.

Soon, banks like Capitec, FNB, and Standard Bank will let you apply through their mobile apps with home delivery. This is the future of government services in South Africa – convenient, secure, and accessible to everyone.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in October 2025. Bank branch locations, fees, and requirements may change. The Department of Home Affairs partnership with banks is expanding rapidly. Always verify current information with the official eHomeAffairs website or call 0800 60 11 90 before starting your application.

For complaints about banking services, contact the Banking Ombudsman at 0860 800 900. For Home Affairs complaints, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za

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