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Avoid the Rush: Comprehensive Guide to Smart ID Application in South Africa

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Avoid the Rush: Step-by-Step Guide to Smart ID Application
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South Africans who have yet to transition to smart ID cards are now compelled to act, following the Department of Home Affairs noting that the green identity documents will no longer be valid after the end of 2025.

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As stressed by the Department, its drive aims to replace all green ID books with smart cards, a move intended to curb corruption, fraud, and identity theft due to the enhanced security features of the smart cards.

Njabulo Nzuza, the Department’s Deputy Minister, articulated that the green bar-coded ID is vulnerable to identity theft and credit fraud, issues Home Affairs has noted are increasingly common. He further emphasised that the traditional green ID books are susceptible to duplication. With these risks in focus, Nzuza announced that the Department will discontinue issuing green-barcoded ID Books by the year’s end.

This significant policy change raises the question:

How does one apply for a smart ID, and what documentation is necessary to ensure a smooth transition?Below is a detailed guide for securing your Smart ID in South Africa:

Smart ID Application Guide in South Africa

Eligibility and Documentation:

  • Eligibility: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident aged 16 or older.

Common Documentation for Both Live and Non-Live Capture Offices:

  • Form BI-9: To be completed in black ink.

First-Time Applicants:

  • Certified copy of your birth certificate (or equivalent from old homelands if applicable).
  • Certified copies of parents’ IDs if under 18.
  • Proof of address (though not always mandatory, it can be advantageous).
  • Naturalisation certificate or permanent residence permit if applicable.

Existing ID Holders or Replacements:

  • Your current green barcoded ID book or an affidavit if lost/stolen.

Costs:

  • First Time and Pensioners:
    • Free: For first-time applicants or pensioners over 60.
  • General Citizens:
    • Smart ID Card: R140.
  • Replacements:
    • Smart ID Card: R140 for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged ID.
  • Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC):
    • R70: For temporary proof of identity while awaiting your Smart ID.

*Please note: These are rates at the time of publication.

Step-by-Step Guide for the Application Process:

For Live Capture Offices:

  1. Prepare Documents: Collect all necessary documents as outlined above.
  2. Visit or Book an Appointment:

·         Appointment: Recommended for efficiency, particularly at high-traffic offices.

  1. Online via BABS: Click here to visit the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS)
  2. Phone: Contact the Home Affairs Contact Centre at 0800 60 11 90.

·         Walk-in: Possible, but expect longer wait times.

  1. At the Office:

·         Check in with your appointment confirmation or join the queue for walk-ins.

·         Submit your documents for verification.

·         Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be digitally captured; photos are unnecessary.

  1. Processing: Generally takes about 14 working days. You will be notified by SMS when ready.
  2. Collection: Return to the same office to retrieve your Smart ID.

For Non-Live Capture Offices:

  1. Gather Documents: Similar to live capture but include:

·         Two Identical ID Photographs: Required as these offices do not capture images digitally.

  1. Visit Home Affairs:

·         No appointment system available, so anticipate potential delays.

·         Submit your documents, including photographs.

  1. Biometric Capture: Fingerprints might still be taken, but the process is less streamlined.
  2. Processing: May take longer than with live capture; wait for an SMS notification.
  3. Collection: Return to pick up your Smart ID.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Appointment Online:

  1. Access BABS (Branch Appointment Booking System):

·         Visit BABS – Click here

·         Click on “BABS” or search for “Branch Appointment Booking”.

  1. Enter Your Details:

·         ID Number: Input your South African ID number.

·         Personal Information: Fill in required details like name, contact information.

  1. Select Your Office:

·         Choose your province, then your city, and select an office equipped with live capture.

  1. Choose Appointment Time:

·         A calendar will show available dates. Select one.

·         Choose a time slot from the available options.

  1. Confirm Appointment:

·         Review your details and confirm your booking.

·         A confirmation will be sent via SMS or email; ensure to save or print this.

  1. Prepare for Your Appointment:

·         Bring your confirmation, ID documents, and any additional required paperwork.

  1. Cancellation or Rescheduling:

·         If required, log back into BABS or contact DHA directly to modify your appointment.

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Additional Notes:

  • Photos: Not required at live capture offices but essential at non-live capture offices for Smart ID applications.
  • Banks: Certain banks offer Smart ID services; check if your bank participates and book through their system if available.

This guide is crafted to assist the public in transitioning to smart ID cards before the deadline. What are your thoughts on this process? Please share your views in the comment section below.

45 Responses

      1. Certificate is only required if you are a first time applicant for ID, like teenagers who are applying for ID for the first time.
        If you already have/own an ID either the green book or replacing a lost smart ID card, there’s no need for you to bring your certificate. That’s what it says on the article.

  2. Therefore. If I am a pensioner it is no cost. I have a green I’D book. What other documents do I need. Can I book an appointment in Newcastle.
    Thanks

  3. What happens to us that cannot get new cards as our country is not south africa

  4. Why should we have to pay for the smart ID card when we have our old ID book ? We did not ask to have it replaced but are now forced to replace and still have to pay for it ???

      1. I still do not understand the system. Eg. Where do I find the booking system for Standard Bank? The wording: book through their booking system does not help at all. Please give details?
        Standard Bank in Canal Walk, Century City is closest to me

    3. I applied for ID for my daughter last year October, still no SMS or email received for collection, what should I do now. I even sent an SMS, still no response, please advise if we should go to the branch and check there or what?

  5. I lost my id card 2years ago when I get to home affairs to replace the lost identity card the system shows us&them that I have an old application on the old system I have lost hole in the department cause they can’t even resolve the matter for that fact

  6. Has there been a review or access for permanent residents with the Green book to apply for the smart card ID?
    I would like to apply for the Smart Card.I am a permanent resident with the green book.

  8. I applied for the smart ID card last year when I renewed my passport. My application for the smart card was refused because I was born in Zimbabwe but have been a South African citizen paying taxes for over 50 years. And now my green ID book will no longer be valid? I need an explanation please

  9. Hello,I did ID smart card at Kempton park branch on the 15th of September, till today I did not get my ID.What is going on?

  11. So sad cause Monday I did visit home affairs branch,to my disappointment i waited 5 hour without any help. So sad indeed.while they keep saying service will improve yet no change with their long hours.

  12. Hi, how do I book an appointment for smart ID card.
    I was born in Rhodesia but have lived in SA all my life.

  13. I have twin girls aged 18. An appointment was booked for both of them to do an application in January 2024. On the day the other one was unfortunately admitted in Hospital.

    A second was given but there were more documents required since then it has been difficult to complete the process of booking.
    What should we do, the child needs the ID for Matric examination.

  14. As naturslized we still are not able to apply for ID smart card, how can Home Affairs invalidate green books before they allow all South Africas be be able to obtain Smart Cards, this will be against the constation.

    1. First Time and Pensioners:
      Free: For first-time applicants or pensioners over 60.

  16. I took my daughter to the Grabouw Home Affairs on Wednesday the 8th January 2015 to apply for her ID Card.
    Stood in the Que for 3 hours, the gentleman who helped her told her he cannot help her as she has a nose ring!
    Spoke to a District Home Affairs official, I asked him since when is one not allowed to have facial piercings.
    I was told that this been applied since 2014.
    😡

  17. If banks can assist us ,it will be so nice due to long ques at home affairs. Some of us can’t ask for leaves.

  18. I am South African citizen and went on pension in April 2024. I have applied for the new ID card in July 2014 and was told because I wasn t a born South Africa citizen they can t issue me with a new ID card. Must I apply again?

  19. Am a pensioner. I don’t have transport to get to the Pavilion home affairs in Durban. If i have to wait for my friend to take me then I will never get there.
    Am a south african citizen by naturalization.
    Are we able to get smart card now.

  20. I have permanent residency, when I tried to make an appointment it stopped me as I am not south African, so how are we supposed yo get the card when the system does not allow it

  21. I went to get my Smart ID last year end of September. I got the sms to collect and went on a Friday afywrnoon @ 14:00. After everything was done I did not get my ID, only an empty envelope.

  22. Myself my fiancé and my daughter are struggling since last year for a booking but I see BABS IS THE PLACE TOO MOVE TOO SO MY DAUGHTER IS MATRIC THIS YEAR AND THANKS 4THE UPDATES SO WYNBERG GET READY WE ON OUR WAY 4THE SMART ID CARDS

  23. We read this type of article frequently but the 530 000 naturalized citizens are NOT included.I have been a citizen for over 40 years and despite being told at the Menlyn office to submit by e mail ,I tagged the e mail and can see it is not delivered yet alone read.I have been there three times and was given the same FAKE e mail address each time.

  24. Good day, what happen if you are sick and can’t attend to fall in lines at the offices. Immunocompromised and unable to stand for long periods of time

  26. Both my adult son and I are disabled and unable to get I to the home affairs office in pmburg. I am 80 yrs of age and son 52.
    Could you not make arrangements to come to us at home

  27. I applied for my smart ID on the 17 October 2024 at Harrison Jhb Cbd till today i havent received my smart card when i go ther to enquire they always tell me to wait for an sms to No avail till today.PLS HELP

  28. Please consider this decision that you made that People who still has their green id books must pay to get them replaced by smart IDs, it’s not fair because we didn’t ask for our IDs to be replaced/changed and they are not lost, we get punishment with the people who lost their IDs. Maybe you can say it’s half the price R70 not R140.

  29. What about pensioners that are SA citizens but reside in Namibia? How will they get their smart ID’s?

  31. I’m a South African male I have children with a lady from Lesotho now they can help my kids with birth certificates, what should I bring

  32. Hi it would be gratefully appreciated if DOHA can send mobile facilities 2 western cape citizens 70 years and above.clearly they are not so young to walk long distance 2 DOHA.not all are in wheelchairs.jst a thought fr da elders

Newcastillian News invites your input. We ask that you keep your remarks courteous and on-topic. We do not allow any form of hate speech, such as racist or sexist comments. All comments are subject to moderation in line with our User Rules and Commenting Policy.

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