1. Proof of Identity

You need ONE of these:

• Smart ID card (original)
• Green barcoded ID book (original)
• South African passport (original)
• Foreign passport with valid visa/permit

Note: The bank will scan or photocopy your document. You keep the original.

2. Proof of Residence

Must be dated within the last 3 months. You need ONE of these:

• Municipal rates bill
• Electricity or water bill
• Bank statement showing your address
• Lease agreement (signed by both parties)
• Telephone or cellphone contract
• Insurance policy document
• Letter from employer on company letterhead
• Affidavit if you live with family (sworn before Commissioner of Oaths)

Important: Mobile phone statements are usually NOT accepted.

3. Proof of Income (Sometimes)

Not always needed for basic accounts. For full accounts, you may need:

• Recent payslip (last 3 months)
• Employment contract or letter
• Bank statements showing salary deposits
• SARS documents for self-employed people

Step 1: Register Online

Go to the eHomeAffairs website at services.dha.gov.za

• Create an account with your ID number
• Provide your cellphone number and email
• Verify your phone with the SMS code

Step 2: Complete the Application

• Fill in the online form with your details
• Upload a copy of your old ID or birth certificate
• Upload proof of residence if you have it
• Check all information carefully

Step 3: Pay the Fee

Cost as of 2025:

• First-time applicants under 18: FREE
• Replacement or new card: R140

Pay online through your bank’s internet banking (available for Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, ABSA, Capitec customers).

Step 4: Book Your Biometrics Appointment

Choose to visit either:

• A Home Affairs office, OR
• A participating bank branch (much shorter queues!)

Step 5: Visit the Branch

Bring these documents:

• Your payment receipt or reference number
• Your old ID or birth certificate
• Proof of residence (if you have it)

At the branch, they will take your photo and fingerprints. You don’t need to bring photos – they take your picture there.

Step 6: Collect Your Smart ID

Wait 14 working days. You’ll get an SMS when your Smart ID is ready. Collect it from the same branch where you did your biometrics.

Option 1: Open Online (Fastest)

Best for: Digital banks like TymeBank, Bank Zero, Capitec

• Download the bank’s app
• Take a photo of your Smart ID or passport
• Take a selfie for verification
• Upload proof of residence
• Account opens in minutes!

Some banks give you a virtual card immediately. Physical card arrives by post or you collect it.

Option 2: Visit a Branch

Best for: Traditional banks, or if you need help

• Make an appointment (some banks require this)
• Bring your Smart ID/passport, proof of residence, and proof of income
• Bank staff help you fill in forms
• You may get your card the same day

Resident Account

If you have: Work permit, study permit, or permanent residence

• Full banking services
• Can deposit South African Rand
• Can get loans and credit cards
• Normal bank account fees apply

Non-Resident Account

If you have: Tourist visa or temporary stay

• Limited banking services
• Can hold foreign currency (USD, EUR, GBP)
• Cannot deposit South African Rand easily
• Higher fees than resident accounts
• No loans or local credit cards

⚠️ Important: You cannot open a South African bank account with just a passport if you don’t have a valid visa or permit. The bank will ask for proof of your legal status in South Africa.

Problem 1: No Proof of Residence

This is very common! Many people don’t have bills in their name.

Solutions:

• Get an affidavit from someone you live with. They must swear before a Commissioner of Oaths that you live at their address. You’ll need their ID and proof of residence too.
• Use your employer’s letter on company letterhead confirming your address.
• Some banks accept lease agreements even if bills aren’t in your name.
• Students can use their university registration showing residence address.

Problem 2: Expired ID or Passport

Banks cannot accept expired documents. You must renew first.

Quick fix:

• Apply for renewal through eHomeAffairs (14 working days)
• Use a bank branch for faster service
• If urgent, get a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) for R70 at Home Affairs – valid while you wait for your new ID

Problem 3: Bank Says Documents Are Not Certified

Some banks need certified copies, not just photocopies.

Where to certify documents:

• Police station (free)
• Post Office (small fee)
• Commissioner of Oaths (lawyer, accountant) – sometimes free
• Some banks certify documents for their customers

Problem 4: Biometric Appointment Slots Are Full

Bank branches book up quickly, especially in big cities.

What to do:

• Check the eHomeAffairs website daily – new slots open regularly
• Try booking at a branch in a smaller town nearby
• Book early in the morning when new appointments are released
• Consider using a Home Affairs office instead of a bank

Problem 5: Lost or Stolen ID

You need a police case number before applying for a replacement.

Steps to take:

• Report the loss at your nearest police station immediately
• Get an affidavit (statement) from the police
• Apply for a new Smart ID through eHomeAffairs
• Upload the police affidavit with your application
• While waiting, you can get a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) to use for banking