What Is a Temporary ID Certificate?
A Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC) is a short-term proof of identity issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It is not a replacement for your Smart ID card or green ID book — it is a bridging document that proves who you are while you wait for a permanent ID to be processed or replaced.
As confirmed by the Western Cape Government: a TIC serves as proof of identity while you are waiting for your application for an ID to be processed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee | R70 |
| Where to apply | Any DHA office — not bank branches |
| Photos required | Yes — 2 identical colour ID photographs |
| Processing | Issued over the counter at the DHA office on the same day in most cases |
| Fingerprint verification | Required — your fingerprints must already be on the DHA system |
| Validity | Temporary — use it only until your permanent ID is ready |
When You Need a TIC
You may need a Temporary ID Certificate in any of the following situations:
After losing or having your ID stolen Your Smart ID or green ID book has been lost, stolen, or damaged and your replacement application is in progress. The TIC serves as proof of identity in the meantime.
While waiting for your Smart ID application You have submitted a new Smart ID application — whether first-time, correction, or renewal — and need a valid identity document before the 10–14 working day processing period ends.
For voting A valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) is an accepted form of ID to register and vote. The IEC’s zip-zip machines scan the barcode on the TIC in the same way as a green ID book or Smart ID.
After surrendering your ID for a correction When you submit a Smart ID correction (wrong name, wrong DOB, etc.), your existing card is surrendered and not returned during processing. A TIC provides identity coverage during this period.
When your ID application won’t be ready in time If your application for an identity document will not be completed in time for you to be able to vote, you can apply for a temporary identity certificate (TIC). The same principle applies to urgent personal deadlines.
Fee
| Document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Temporary ID Certificate (TIC) | R70 |
The R70 fee applies regardless of the reason for the application. There is no expedited or priority fee structure — all TIC applications are processed the same way, over the counter at a DHA office.
Note on older sources: Some older government pages still reference R140 for the TIC. The current confirmed fee is R70, as stated on gov.za and the Western Cape Government website.
Documents Required
Two identical colour ID photographs are needed for the temporary ID. This is different from Smart ID applications where photos are captured digitally — for a TIC, you must bring physical photos.
What to bring:
- 2 identical, recent, colour ID photographs — standard ID photo size, plain background, full face visible, no glasses, no hat. You can get these printed at most pharmacies, print shops, and photo studios (typically R30–R60 for 4 prints)
- Your existing green ID book if you still have it — original
- If lost or stolen: your SAPS affidavit and case number confirming the loss or theft
- Proof of residential address — utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account
- Form BI-9 — collected and completed at the DHA office on the day, in black ink and block letters
- Your ID number — you will need this for the fingerprint verification process
If you have never previously had your fingerprints captured on the DHA system, a TIC cannot be issued. In that case, you must submit a full first-time Smart ID application.
Not sure what documents to take to Home Affairs? Click Here To Use our free checklist and walk in fully prepared.
Where To Apply
TICs are only issued at DHA offices. They cannot be obtained at bank branches, online, or through any third party.
Visit any DHA live capture office that operates a Home Affairs counter. Walk-ins are accepted for TIC applications — no appointment is required, though arrival early in the morning is strongly recommended to avoid long queues.
DHA office hours are typically Monday to Friday, 08:00–15:30. Offices do not operate on weekends except during special electoral periods when the DHA opens branches specifically to issue TICs to voters.
Use the DHA office locator to find your nearest office.
Step-by-Step Process
- Get your ID photographs first — visit a pharmacy, print shop, or photo studio near you. Get 2 identical colour prints in standard ID size before going to the DHA office
- Visit your nearest DHA office — walk in, no appointment needed
- Collect and complete Form BI-9 at the office counter in black ink and block letters
- Submit your documents — Form BI-9, 2 ID photographs, and proof of address. If your ID was lost or stolen, include your SAPS affidavit
- Fingerprint verification — the DHA official verifies your identity against fingerprints already on the National Population Register
- Pay R70 in cash at the office
- Receive your TIC — in most cases issued over the counter on the same day, subject to the queue and system availability
What the TIC Can and Cannot Do
What it can do
- Prove your identity at government offices, SASSA, clinics, and schools while your permanent ID is being processed
- Serve as a valid identity document for voter registration and for voting. The IEC scans the barcode on the TIC in the same way as a green ID book
- Act as interim proof of identity for employment purposes
- Allow you to open certain bank accounts, at the discretion of the individual bank — confirm with your bank branch before relying on this
What it cannot do
- It cannot replace a passport for international travel — you need a valid South African passport to travel abroad
- It cannot be used to apply for a passport at a bank branch — bank branches require a Smart ID or green ID book for passport applications
- It cannot be issued at a bank branch — DHA offices only
- It is a temporary document — it is not an indefinite substitute for a Smart ID or green ID book
- It cannot be issued if your fingerprints have never previously been captured on the DHA system — you would need to complete a full first-time Smart ID application instead
What You Cannot Do
- You cannot get a TIC at a bank branch — DHA offices only
- You cannot apply without the two physical colour ID photographs — digital capture is not available for TICs
- 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 — this applies to the Smart ID application; TIC applications must go through a DHA office regardless
- You cannot use a TIC as a travel document for international travel — a valid passport is required for that purpose
Official Contact Details
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| Toll-free hotline | 0800 60 11 90 |
| hacc@dha.gov.za | |
| DHA office locator | dha.gov.za |
| Appointment booking (Smart ID) | services.dha.gov.za |
| Anti-corruption hotline | 0800 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
How much does a Temporary ID Certificate cost? R70. This fee is payable in cash at the DHA office. Confirm the current fee with the DHA at 0800 60 11 90 if you are concerned it may have changed since this page was last updated.
Can I get a TIC on the same day? In most cases, yes. The TIC is issued over the counter at the DHA office on the day of your application, subject to the queue and system availability. Arrive early — DHA offices can have long queues, especially around elections.
Do I need ID photos for a TIC? Yes — 2 identical colour photographs are required. This is different from Smart ID applications where photos are taken digitally at the office. Get your photos printed at a pharmacy or photo studio before going to the DHA office.
My ID was stolen — do I need a SAPS affidavit to get a TIC? Yes. If your ID was lost or stolen, bring the SAPS affidavit and case number confirming the incident. See the full lost or stolen Smart ID guide for the full process.
Can I use a TIC to vote? Yes. A valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) is accepted by the IEC for voter registration and voting. The barcode on the TIC is scanned by the zip-zip machine, which captures the ID number and links it to the specific voting district.
Can I use a TIC to open a bank account? This depends on the bank. Some banks accept a TIC as interim identification; others require a Smart ID or green ID book. Contact your specific bank branch before relying on the TIC for this purpose.
Can I use a TIC to travel internationally? No. A TIC is not a travel document. You need a valid South African passport for international travel. If your passport has also been lost, apply for a replacement at the DHA — see the passport application guide for more detail.
What if I have never had my fingerprints captured by Home Affairs? The TIC process requires fingerprint verification against existing DHA records. If your fingerprints have never been captured, a TIC cannot be issued. You must first apply for a Smart ID — your biometrics will be captured during that process. The TIC can then be issued on subsequent visits if needed.
How long is the TIC valid? The TIC is a temporary document and does not carry a fixed printed expiry date, but it is intended only as a short-term bridge. Once your permanent Smart ID is ready for collection, the TIC should no longer be used as your primary identity document.
Related Guides
- Smart ID Application — Hub
- Lost or Stolen Smart ID
- Smart ID Wrong Information — How To Correct It
- Smart ID for Over 60s — Free Application
- Smart ID Complete Guide 2026