Newcastle residents now have a more convenient option for replacing their Smart ID cards, with Capitec’s Scott Street branch among the first bank sites in KwaZulu-Natal to offer the service through the Department of Home Affairs’ new Digital Partnership Model.
In short, the development means qualifying residents no longer have to rely solely on traditional Home Affairs offices for certain Smart ID services.
Instead, they can now complete Smart ID replacement applications at the local Capitec branch using a digitally integrated system linked directly to Home Affairs.
The service forms part of a broader national shift by the Department of Home Affairs to expand access through participating banks, while reducing pressure on government branches already dealing with long queues and heavy volumes.
The model officially entered its live operational phase in March 2026 and is intended to make basic identity services faster and easier to access.
According to Home Affairs, participating banks connect directly to the department’s systems through a secure API-based Digital Gateway, allowing applications to be processed within the bank’s own service environment without paper forms.
Furthermore, the department said a Smart ID application can be completed in as little as five to ten minutes, with no prior booking required.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Capitec has activated Smart ID replacement services at 14 branches, including Newcastle on Scott Street.
Other branches currently offering the service in the province include Amanzimtoti Seadoone Mall, Durban Overport, Emondlo Mall, Esikhaleni Mall, Harding Corner, Howick on Main, Jozini Shopping Centre, Manguzi, Mbazwana, Mkuze Plaza, Pietermaritzburg Scottsville, Umhlanga Gateway F62/15 and Umzinto.
For Newcastle residents, however, the service is currently limited in scope.
Capitec has confirmed that the Scott Street branch is only handling Smart ID replacement applications at this stage. This includes the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Smart ID cards, as well as conversions from the old green ID book to the Smart ID format.
First-time ID applications are not yet available at the branch, and the service is currently restricted to existing Capitec clients.
Applicants are also still required to appear in person, as the process includes the capturing of biometric information such as fingerprints, photographs and signatures.
The cost of using the service is R150 in total. This includes the Department of Home Affairs application fee of R140, along with a R10 bank service fee.
Early figures released by Home Affairs suggest the model is expanding quickly.
By early April 2026, just three weeks after launch, 77 Capitec branches, 30 Standard Bank branches and three First National Bank branches were already operational across the country.
That brought the total number of new service points to 110 nationwide.
“When compared to the existing 248 Home Affairs offices offering Smart ID services, the addition of 110 more service points constitutes a 44% service expansion in just three weeks,” the department stated.
Home Affairs also said more than 25,000 Smart ID applications had already been processed through participating bank branches, with submissions coming in at a rate of more than one per minute.
For Newcastle residents who qualify, the Scott Street branch now offers a far more local alternative to the usual administrative runaround.
While the service is still limited to replacements and excludes first-time applications, it marks yet another successful step in harnessing the power of digital to assist the community.
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No. At this stage, the Scott Street Capitec branch is only assisting with Smart ID replacement applications and conversions from the old green ID book to the Smart ID format. First-time ID applications are not yet available there.
The service is currently limited to existing Capitec clients. Residents who do not bank with Capitec will need to use other participating branches or Department of Home Affairs offices where applicable.
The total cost is R150, which includes the R140 Department of Home Affairs application fee and a R10 bank service fee.
Capitec has indicated that supporting documents are not required for the process, but applicants must still appear in person so that biometric data such as fingerprints, photographs and signatures can be captured on site.
5 Responses
Maybe the generated image used for the article should be of a smart ID instead of a drivers license. #JustSaying
You are right. Apologies, it was a long week for the editorial team.
We are appreciate ,We need it at Ladysmith KZN
Does Theku mall do smart ID at Capitec?
I want to apply for smart card ID I lost my ID