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Smart ID for Over 60s — Free Application Guide

Last Updated: March 7, 2026|Reviewed By: Home Affairs Editorial Team|Fact-checked against official DHA and Other Official Sources|Not affiliated with the DHA

Your Smart ID Is Free

South African citizens aged 60 and older qualify for a free Smart ID card — regardless of whether you are upgrading from a green ID book or replacing a lost or damaged card.

The R140 fee is waived for all citizens who have reached 60 years of age. This applies whether you are applying for the very first time or upgrading from the old green barcoded ID book. As confirmed by the Western Cape Government and the Overstrand Municipality, pensioners over 60 receive their Smart ID free of charge and no photographs are required.

ApplicantFee
South African citizen aged 60 or olderFree
All other applicants (renewal, replacement)R140

Why Apply Now

The green ID book is being phased out. According to BusinessTech, the DHA plans to stop producing green ID books entirely by 2026, with full discontinuation targeted by 2030. An increasing number of institutions — banks, employers, government departments — are requiring the Smart ID card specifically. Applying now while the process is free ensures you are not caught without a valid identity document as the phase-out accelerates.

A Smart ID card is needed to:

  • Open or update a bank account
  • Access SASSA grants and social services
  • Apply for or renew a South African passport at a bank branch
  • Register for medical aid and insurance
  • Update vehicle registration and property documents
  • Vote in elections

Documents Required

What to bring to your application appointment:

  • Completed Form BI-9 — available at any DHA office, completed in black ink and block letters. Also available to complete online at ehome.dha.gov.za
  • Your existing green ID book or Smart ID card — original, not a copy
  • Proof of residential address — a utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account in your name. If the document is not in your name, the account holder must provide a sworn affidavit confirming you live at that address

No physical photographs are needed. Your photo and fingerprints are captured digitally at the DHA office or bank branch. Physical photos are only required for Temporary ID Certificates.

Where To Apply

Option A — DHA live capture office (all provinces)

Walk in or book an appointment at services.dha.gov.za. According to Govnet, pensioners receive priority service at all DHA offices — you do not need to wait in the general queue. Inform the DHA official at reception that you are over 60 when you arrive.

Option B — Participating bank branch

FNB, Capitec, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, Investec, and African Bank all offer Smart ID services at selected branches. Book via ehome.dha.gov.za or through the bank’s app (FNB and Capitec). An appointment is required at bank branches. Bank branches are often less crowded than DHA offices and may be easier to access.

Option C — DHA mobile units

The DHA operates mobile units that travel to rural areas and communities with limited access to DHA offices. These units process Smart ID applications including for over-60 applicants. Contact 0800 60 11 90 to find out if a mobile unit is scheduled to visit your area.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Online Route (Recommended where internet access is available)

  1. Go to ehome.dha.gov.za and register or log in with your SA ID number
  2. Complete Form BI-9 online — enter your details exactly as they appear on your existing ID document
  3. Upload scanned copies of your supporting documents
  4. No payment required — the system recognises over-60 applicants and waives the fee
  5. Book a biometric appointment at a DHA live capture office or participating bank branch
  6. Attend your appointment in person with original documents
  7. Have your photo and fingerprints captured digitally — no photos needed
  8. Wait 10 to 14 working days for processing
  9. Track your status: SMS ID [space] your 13-digit ID number to 32551 (R1 per SMS)
  10. Collect your Smart ID in person at the same location — you must attend in person for fingerprint verification

Walk-In Route (No internet access required)

  1. Visit any DHA live capture office
  2. Inform reception you are over 60 — you are entitled to priority queue access
  3. Collect and complete Form BI-9 at the office in black ink and block letters
  4. Submit with your existing ID document and proof of address
  5. No fee to pay — inform the official you are over 60 before any payment is requested
  6. Have biometrics captured and wait for your SMS collection notification

If You Are Charged — What To Do

You should not be charged any fee if you are 60 or older. If a DHA official or bank consultant requests payment, do the following:

  1. Politely state that you are over 60 and that the fee is waived for your age group, as per DHA policy
  2. Ask to speak with a supervisor or branch manager
  3. Do not pay and then try to claim a refund — it is very difficult to recover fees once paid
  4. If the problem persists, call 0800 60 11 90 or email hacc@dha.gov.za to report the issue

Not sure what documents to take to Home Affairs? Click Here To Use our free checklist and walk in fully prepared.

Processing Times

Application typeProcessing time
Standard Smart ID application at DHA office or bank10 to 14 working days

Working days exclude weekends and public holidays. Check your status at any time by sending ID [space] your 13-digit ID number to 32551 (costs R1 per SMS). You will receive an SMS to your registered cellphone number when your Smart ID is ready for collection.

What You Cannot Do

  • You cannot be charged R140 for a Smart ID if you are 60 or older — the fee is legally waived
  • You cannot have someone collect your Smart ID on your behalf — collection must be done in person with fingerprint verification, regardless of mobility or health
  • You cannot apply for a Smart ID at a DHA office that does not have a live capture system — only live capture offices issue Smart ID cards
  • Naturalized citizens and permanent residents can now apply for Smart IDs at bank branches (Phase 1 rollout), but only if they are from certain visa-exempt countries. All others must still use a DHA live capture office

Mobility and Accessibility

If you are unable to travel to a DHA office or bank branch due to age-related health or mobility challenges, the following options are available:

  • DHA mobile units — the DHA deploys mobile live capture units to retirement villages, community halls, and rural areas. Call 0800 60 11 90 to enquire about scheduled visits near you
  • Assisted applications — a family member or caregiver can accompany you to the office and assist with form completion, but you must be present in person for biometric capture
  • Bank branch appointments — bank branches often have better physical access than older DHA offices. FNB and Capitec allow booking through their apps; Standard Bank, Absa, and Nedbank take bookings through ehome.dha.gov.za

If your fingerprints cannot be captured due to a physical condition (worn fingertips, limb disability), inform the DHA official at the time of application. The DHA has a process for issuing a PIN code in place of fingerprint capture for applicants with limb disabilities.

Official Contact Details

ChannelDetail
Status check SMSID + space + 13-digit ID number to 32551 (R1 per SMS)
Toll-free hotline0800 60 11 90
Emailhacc@dha.gov.za
eHomeAffairs portalehome.dha.gov.za
Appointment bookingservices.dha.gov.za
DHA office locatordha.gov.za
Anti-corruption hotline0800 701 701

This website is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs. All contact details are sourced from www.dha.gov.za.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Smart ID really free for pensioners over 60? Yes. The Department of Home Affairs waives the R140 fee for all South African citizens aged 60 and older, as confirmed by the Western Cape Government and Overstrand Municipality. No payment should be requested at any DHA office or bank branch for applicants in this age group.

Do I need to hand in my green ID book when I apply? Yes. Your existing green ID book must be surrendered when you apply for your Smart ID. It will not be returned. If you need proof of identity while your Smart ID is being processed, apply for a Temporary ID Certificate (R70) at a DHA office on the same day.

I am 60 but I have never had an ID document at all. Can I still apply? Yes. If your birth was registered and you have an SA birth certificate, you can apply for your first Smart ID. First-time applicants over 60 are also eligible for the free waiver. Bring your original birth certificate plus a certified copy to the DHA office.

Do I get priority service as a pensioner? Yes. According to Govnet, pensioners over 60 receive priority service at DHA offices. Inform the official at reception when you arrive — you should not need to wait in the general queue.

Can I apply at a bank branch at my age? Yes, if you are a South African citizen by birth. Bank branches are often less crowded and have better facilities than DHA offices. Book via ehome.dha.gov.za. Naturalized citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries may also use bank branches — confirm with the specific branch first.

My fingerprints are worn and difficult to capture. Will this be a problem? Worn fingerprints are common in older applicants. DHA officials are trained to handle this — they may attempt multiple captures or use an alternative finger. If fingerprint capture repeatedly fails, the DHA has a process for issuing a PIN code in place of fingerprints for applicants with physical conditions that prevent capture.

How long does the Smart ID take? 10 to 14 working days from your biometric appointment. Track your application by sending ID [your 13-digit ID number] to 32551 (R1 per SMS). You will also receive an automatic SMS to your registered cellphone number when the card is ready.

Can a family member collect my Smart ID for me if I cannot travel? No. The DHA strictly prohibits third-party collection under DHA Circular No. 1 of 2022. You must collect in person for fingerprint verification. If mobility is a serious concern, contact 0800 60 11 90 to enquire about whether a mobile unit can visit your area or facility.

I was charged R140 at the DHA office even though I am over 60. Can I get a refund? Contact hacc@dha.gov.za and 0800 60 11 90 immediately with your receipt, ID number, and the name and location of the office. Refunds are processed through DHA head office and can take time — this is why it is critical to assert the fee waiver before paying.

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