Smart ID and Passport at South African Bank Branches — Full Guide
Can You Get a Smart ID or Passport at a Bank?
Yes. South African bank branches now offer Smart ID and passport application services through the Department of Home Affairs — and the network has grown significantly in 2026.
The service has been available since 2016 through a small pilot group of branches. As of July 2026, 327 bank branches are active nationwide, with the DHA targeting 750 branches by end of 2026 and 1,000 by 2029.
Both Smart ID cards and passport applications — new applications and renewals — can be processed at participating branches. Processing times and fees are identical to DHA offices.
Which Banks Offer the Service?
Nine banks are part of the DHA’s banking partnership programme.
| Bank | Branches (Aug 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capitec | 141+ | Largest provider. App-based booking. Rolling out to 300 branches by end 2026. Open to all SA citizens. |
| Standard Bank | 75+ | Original 9 pilot branches open to all. New 2026 branches for Standard Bank clients only. Walk-ins accepted at new 2026 branches. |
| FNB | 22+ (target 240 by mid-2026) | Original pilot bank since 2015. App-based booking available. 570,000+ documents issued since launch. |
| Absa | Active — expanding | Original pilot bank. App booking available for Absa customers. |
| Nedbank | Active — expanding | Original pilot bank. |
| Discovery Bank | Active — expanding | Appointment by email. Expanding to Sea Point, Century City, Pretoria, Umhlanga. |
| Investec | Active — Sandton (1 branch) | Available at Sandown/Sandton office. |
| African Bank | Active — expanding | New entrant from 2025, focused on underserved areas. |
| TymeBank | Active — rolling out | Digital-first bank, physical access points. |
Branch lists change frequently as the rollout accelerates. Always confirm current participating branches at ehome.dha.gov.za before booking.
Two Systems Running in Parallel — What You Need to Know
Since March 2026, the DHA runs two different models for bank-based services. Knowing which one applies to your chosen branch determines how you apply.
| Original eHomeAffairs Model | New Digital Partnership Model | |
|---|---|---|
| Which banks | FNB, Absa, Nedbank, Discovery, Investec, Standard Bank’s original 9 pilot branches | Standard Bank’s new 2026 branches, Capitec (rolling out) |
| How it works | Apply and pay on ehome.dha.gov.za first, then visit branch for biometrics | Apply and pay directly through the bank — no eHomeAffairs login required |
| Appointments | Mandatory — book via eHomeAffairs or bank app | Walk-ins accepted at Standard Bank’s new 2026 branches |
| Who can use it | Any qualifying SA citizen | Standard Bank new branches: Standard Bank clients only. Capitec: Capitec customers. |
If you are unsure which model a branch uses, call the branch directly before visiting.
How the Process Works
Original eHomeAffairs Model (FNB, Absa, Nedbank, Discovery, Investec, Standard Bank pilot branches)
Step 1 — Register and apply online Go to ehome.dha.gov.za and register with your SA ID number. Complete your application form online. If you bank with FNB or Capitec, you can start the application directly through the bank’s mobile app.
Step 2 — Pay online Pay R140 (Smart ID) or R600 (passport) through your internet or mobile banking before booking your branch appointment.
Supported banks for online payment: Absa, Capitec, Discovery Bank, FNB, Investec, Nedbank, Standard Bank. If you bank with African Bank, TymeBank, or another bank not yet fully integrated, you may need an account at a supported bank to pay online — or visit a DHA office directly.
Step 3 — Book your branch appointment After payment, select a participating branch and book a biometric appointment. Slots fill quickly — book as far ahead as possible.
Step 4 — Attend your appointment Bring:
- Your SA Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book (original)
- Your existing passport if applying for a new passport
- Your payment confirmation from eHomeAffairs
Your photo and fingerprints are captured digitally. No passport photographs needed. The appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 5 — Collect your document DHA will SMS you when your document is ready. Collect at the same branch where you submitted biometrics. You must collect in person — third-party collection is not permitted.
New Digital Partnership Model (Standard Bank new 2026 branches, Capitec rolling out)
Under this model, the bank handles the application process directly without requiring you to use eHomeAffairs first.
- Walk into a participating branch (Standard Bank new 2026 branches accept walk-ins)
- Bank staff capture your application, biometrics, and payment in one visit
- No prior online registration or payment required
- Note: Standard Bank’s new 2026 branches are available to Standard Bank clients only
Confirm the exact process with your specific branch before visiting — Capitec’s rollout is phased and not all branches have activated this model yet.
Fees
| Document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Smart ID card | R140 |
| Smart ID — first-time applicant turning 16 | Free |
| Smart ID — South African citizens 60 and older | Free |
| Passport (new or renewal) | R600 |
| Lost/stolen passport — with SAPS affidavit of non-negligence | R600 |
| Lost/stolen passport — negligent loss | R1,200 |
No additional convenience fee is charged by most banks. Confirm with your specific bank before applying.
What You Cannot Do at a Bank Branch
The following services are not yet available at bank branches and require a DHA live capture office:
- Emergency passports — must be applied for in person at a DHA office with proof of urgent travel
- Birth, marriage, or death certificate applications
- NPR corrections and amendments (wrong name, ID number, or date of birth on your records)
- Lost passport report submissions (Form DHA-335)
- Citizenship and permanent residence applications
First-time Smart ID applications: As of May 2026, DHA announced first-time Smart ID applications are rolling out to participating bank branches. Confirm with your specific branch whether this has been activated — the rollout is phased and not all branches offer it yet.
Who Can Use the Bank Branch Service?
SA citizens (green ID book holders converting to Smart ID, existing Smart ID holders, and passport applicants): All qualifying SA citizens can apply at most participating branches, regardless of which bank they use.
Naturalised citizens and permanent residents: Now eligible under the new Digital Partnership model. This was not available under the original pilot programme.
Non-customers: Most banks accept any SA citizen. Standard Bank’s new 2026 API-integrated branches are the exception — those are for Standard Bank clients only. Standard Bank’s original 9 pilot branches remain open to all.
Province Coverage
As of August 2026:
| Province | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | All banks — widest coverage |
| Western Cape | FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, Capitec |
| KwaZulu-Natal | FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec |
| Eastern Cape | Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, Capitec |
| Limpopo | FNB, Capitec (expanding) |
| Mpumalanga | Capitec (expanding) |
| Northern Cape | Nedbank, Capitec (expanding) |
| Free State | Underserved — Capitec rollout expected before end 2026 |
| North West | Underserved — Capitec rollout expected before end 2026 |
Processing Times
| Document | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Smart ID card | 10 to 14 working days |
| Passport | 10 to 14 working days |
Check your status: SMS the letter P followed by your 13-digit SA ID number to 32552, or visit www.dha.gov.za/status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a customer of the bank? No — at most banks. Standard Bank’s new 2026 API-integrated branches are the exception, for Standard Bank clients only. All other banks and Standard Bank’s original 9 pilot branches are open to any SA citizen.
Can I walk in without an appointment? At most banks, no — appointments are mandatory. Standard Bank’s new 2026 branches (Rosebank, Maponya Mall, Westgate, and others) are the exception. These accept walk-ins for Standard Bank clients.
Is the process the same as at a DHA office? Same fee, same forms, same processing time, same collection requirement. The bank branch replaces the DHA office only for the biometric capture step. Your document is still issued by the DHA.
Can I do a first-time Smart ID at a bank? The restriction is being lifted from May 2026. Check with your specific branch — rollout is phased and not all branches have activated it yet.
Can I do an emergency passport at a bank? No. Emergency passports must be submitted in person at a DHA live capture office.
How do I find a participating branch near me? Log into ehome.dha.gov.za and the branch selection screen shows all available branches with live appointment slots. This is the only authoritative real-time list.
Do I need to bring passport photos? No. Your photo is captured digitally at the branch. Physical passport photos are not required.
Can I collect from a different branch? No. Your document is sent to the branch where you submitted biometrics. You must collect from that branch.
I am a naturalised citizen. Can I use a bank branch? Yes — under the new Digital Partnership model. Confirm with your specific branch whether they have activated services for naturalised citizens yet.
Official Contact Details
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| eHomeAffairs portal | ehome.dha.gov.za |
| DHA toll-free hotline | 0800 60 11 90 |
| DHA email | hacc@dha.gov.za |
| Appointment booking | services.dha.gov.za |
| Status check SMS | P + 13-digit ID number to 32552 |
| Anti-corruption hotline | 0800 701 701 |
This website is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or any bank. All information is sourced from official DHA and bank communications.
All Bank Service Guides
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| FNB Smart ID and Passport | FNB branches, app booking, home delivery |
| Capitec Smart ID and Passport | Capitec rollout, app integration, branch locations |
| Standard Bank Smart ID and Passport | Standard Bank branches, 2026 expansion, walk-in branches |
| Absa Smart ID and Passport | Absa branches, booking process |
| African Bank Smart ID and Passport | African Bank as new entrant |
| Which Banks Offer Smart ID and Passport | Full comparison across all 9 banks |