According to the South African government, all citizens aged 16 or older must hold an Identity Document which is a legal identity proof of civil rights and obligations. The identity document is required in many conditions, such as education, housing, business registration, application for social grants/driving licenses/passports/visas, and so forth. Citizens, permanent residents, and employers (as well as their spouses and children) of the South African government or a statutory body abroad are all eligible to get the identity document. It used to be a green bar-coded identity book. Now there is a new form – the smart ID card.
This change mainly results from the rising number of identity fraud. Without specific anti-counterfeiting marks, the conventional ID book is quite easy to copy and the counterfeiting version is hard to recognize. As the authority appeals to the public to replace this green booklet, we are going to introduce the South Africa ID card and smart ID application.
What is Smart ID card?
It refers to the Smart Identification Card. This plastic card is about the size of a credit or debit card, which is quite portable for carrying and storage. There is personal information and a biometric photo on the front, including name, gender, nationality, identity number, date of birth, country of birth, status and signature. There are card number, line ID barcode, PDF417 type barcode and secondary image at the back. All these are laser-engraved. Moreover, the invisible background design printed as a rainbow image can be viewed under ultra-violet light, which helps to distinguish counterfeiting documents.
Eligibility for Smart ID Card Application
Before you apply for a Smart ID card, it’s important to check eligibility and avoid any misunderstanding. Check out the list and make sure you are eligible for a smart ID application.
- Those who are younger than 16 years old are not eligible to apply for a South African ID.
- Citizens and PR holders who are born outside of South Afirca can not get Smart ID card. They may use foreign identification card or passport originating from the birth country, as valid identification.
- ID or travel documents from the old Transkei, Bophutatswana, Venda or Ciskei homelands can be acceptable.
Smart ID Card Requirements
Before heading for smart ID application process, let’s learn about what you need to apply for it. There are three different categories and each has specific requirements.
Category A for First-time Applicants Aged 16 and Older
The first ID card issuance is free of charge unless you have owned an ID book. It takes R140 to replace. They should provide:
- birth certificate
- a certified copy of the ID document of a parent/legal guardian (provide death certificate if parents are deceased)
- proof of residence
- two identic colored biometric photos (for more information, please see Smart ID Photos)
Category B for First-time Pensioners Aged 60 and Older
The smart ID card application for pensioners for the first time is also free. They should provide:
- green identity book
- proof of residence
- marriage certificate (if any)
- divorce certificate (if any)
- two identic colored biometric photos
Category C First-time Applicants of Other Age Groups
The required documents for this category are the same as those for category B. The difference is that applicants must pay the application fee.
Where Can I Get a Smart ID Card
You can obtain smart ID card at 3 offices in each of 9 provinces in South Africa. You will be able to apply for a South African ID card online, at DHA office, or local banks such as FNB, ABSA and more. To avoid long queues, you can choose to apply for smart ID card online.
How to Apply for a Smart ID Card
It can be a challenging task for first-time applicants to apply for a smart ID card. To unlock a range of benefits and services, you can follow the step-by-step process of how to apply for a South Africa ID card. The smart ID application can be done either online or in person.
Smart ID Card Application in Person
You can go to the nearest Department of Home Affairs (DHA) offices with the required documents and complete the application form there. Some offices require booking on the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) in case of waiting in a long queue.
If you are applying from abroad, you should go to a local South African mission or consulate.
Smart ID Card Online Application
In order to make it more simplified and convenient, the government launched a digital system, allowing applicants to finish the application without stepping out of home. Here is the step-by-step guidance.
- Step 1: Create an Account on Home Affairs website
The smart ID online application is done at the portal of the Department of Home Affairs. New users should register on it with personal information and set up password and secure questions. You will receive an OTP number, so please make sure you enter the correct phone number.
- Step 2: Fill in the Application Form Online
Fill in all required fields, including personal information, address, contact, etc. Check whether there is any mistake before submitting. Upload copies of the required documents according to the instructions.
- Step 3: Fulfill Payment
If you are not exempt from the smart ID card fee, you should pay R140. It can be done on the online payment system or at a branch of a bank. Please note that smart ID card application are free for first-time applicants.
- Step 4: Make an Appointment
After completing the application form, you should go to a participating bank certified by DHA or a Home Affairs office to submit biometrics. The former requires an appointment while the latter does not. There is a list of authorized banks on the website. You can choose a nearby one and book an appointment for smart ID. Print out the confirmation letter after choosing the branch and date of visit.
- Step 5: Visit the Bank/DHA Office
Remember to bring the confirmation letter and original copy of the required documents on the scheduled date.
- Step 6: Submit Biometrics
The officer would capture your fingerprints and a photo so as to verify your identity. You can also hand in a prepared photo, but make sure it is fully compliant. In the next section, we will also talk about how to ensure photo compliance if you choose to make it at home.
- Step 7: Wait for Processing & Collect the Card
Supposing that your biometric data is collected in the bank, it will send your smart ID application to DHA. After receiving a notification, go to the places where you submit the biometrics to pick up your card. Don’t forget to bring an identification document.
ID Application at FNB
To apply for South African ID card at a bank, you must be a client of particular bank, including ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank. Thanks to online application platform, you can apply for smart ID card at FNB with ease.
Step 1. Register for online banking with FNB
Step 2. Create a profile on Home Affrairs portal and fill in the necessary information
Step 3. Upload supporting documents such as birth certificate
Step 4. Select the nearby bank and branch where you want to collect your Smart ID card once it’s ready.
| FNB banks | City | Address |
| FNB Century City** | Cape Town | Shop 171, Canal Walk, 139 Century Boulevard Street |
| FNB Cornubia** | Durban | Shop U76, Cornubia Mall, Flanders & Tacoma Drives, Blackburn Estate, Mount Edgecombe |
| FNB The Glen** | Johannesburg | Shop U2, c/o Orpen & Letaba Rd, The Glen Shopping Centre, Gleneagles, |
Step 5. Make payment through online booking platform
Step 6. Book an appointment with bank branch
Step 7. Take all relevant documents
Step 8. Wait for SMS or email notification when your ID card is ready.
How Long Does a Smart ID Card Take
It takes 14 business days from date of submitted application to deal with your smart ID application and you have to fetch it in person. Once completed, the officials will contact you and tell you when to collect the smart id card.
How Much Is a Smart ID Card
For those who are aged 16-59 years old and have had a green ID book, you need to pay R140 or $7.3 for smart ID card. It should be noted that first-time applicants are not required to pay for smart ID application.
Bonus: How to Get Smart ID Photo Online
Although the biometric photo can be taken at the authorized bank or DHA offices, you can also prepare it beforehand. You are allowed to take a shot with smartphones or cameras as long as it is in focus, clear and sharp. However, it’s hard to tell whether the size and photo quality are acceptable or not. That’s why we need AiPassportPhotos.
It is an online ID photo maker equipped with a photo template of South African smart ID card. It automatically scans the subject’s facial features, tests compliance and adjusts size or background within seconds once the photo is uploaded. If you choose to finish the shot at home, it is necessary to get acquainted with the official photo requirements.
- ID photo size: 35mm in width, 45mm in height.
- Resolution: 600 dpi.
- Measurement from chin to the top of head: 35mm.
- Measurement from the top of head to the picture edge: 3mm.
- Background: light grey or plain creamy.
- The picture must be taken within the last one month.
- The picture must show the head and upper shoulder, with the face taking up 70%-80% of the frame.
- Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression with mouth closed.
- Present the whole face without covering of hair, sunglasses, scarves or religious veil.
- Let the light evenly shine to avoid shadows on the face and background.
- The photo must present the natural colors of skin and eyes. Tinted lenses are prohibited.
- Hold your head center in the frame without tilting.
- Head coverings are not allowed unless for religious reasons.
- Glasses are acceptable only when the lenses do not obscure your eyes or reflect light and the frames do not cast shadows.
Even if you are not familiar with smart ID photo requirements, you can simply leave the work to AiPassportPhotos. Upload a photo and let AI create a compliant smart ID photo in just 3 seconds. Its inbuilt AI face recognition system will check facial features to make sure it’s compliant with official requirements.
FAQs:
Q: When will happen if green ID holder is issued with new smart ID card?
You need to return the green bar-coded ID card and Home Affairs will cancel it according to Identfication Act.
Q: How can I find a photographer to take ID photos near me?
A: You can google a photography studio or photo booth according to your location. If there is none, you can make it at home with your phone and AiPassportPhotos.
Q: What if I get the card with wrong information?
A: Contact the Department of Home Affairs and ask for a free replacement.
Q: Can I apply for the card if my ID book was lost, stolen or damaged?
A: Yes, but you should provide an affidavit to explain why you cannot present it.
Q: What if I get married and want to assume the surname of my spouse?
A: You can apply for a re-issuance.
Q: What if I haven’t had my identity document and I have to vote?
A: You can apply for a temporary identity certificate (TIC) which costs R70 and requires ID number and 2 ID photos.
Summary
With the popularity of smart ID card, the traditional ID book might become invalid. Compared with the old one, this small card is not only portable but also more secure for personal information. It is necessary to apply for one if you are eligible for it, otherwise, you will have difficulty in work and life. The smart ID online application is quite convenient. Just get all documents prepared according to our introductions. Finally, submit biometrics and pick up the card at the authorized bank or DHA office.