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DHA-9: South Africa ID Fingerprint Form

Last Updated: March 17, 2026|Reviewed By: Home Affairs Editorial Team|Fact-checked against official DHA and Other Official Sources|Not affiliated with the DHA

Form DHA-9 — Fingerprint and ID Application Form

This form cannot be downloaded. Form DHA-9 contains a unique barcode assigned to your specific application. It must be collected in person at a DHA branch, a Live Capture bank branch (Capitec or Nedbank), or a South African embassy or mission abroad.

What Is Form DHA-9?

Form DHA-9 is the fingerprint capture form used for all South African identity document applications. It is part of the Live Capture system — the biometric process that records your fingerprints, photograph, and signature digitally when you apply for a Smart ID card.

You do not complete this form yourself in the traditional sense. A DHA official or Live Capture operator captures your fingerprints directly onto the form using an ink pad, or digitally using the Live Capture system. The form also carries your signature.

The older name for this form was BI-9. Both names refer to the same document.

When Do You Need Form DHA-9?

Form DHA-9 is required for every ID application, including:

  • First-time Smart ID application (from age 16)
  • Smart ID renewal
  • Smart ID replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged)
  • Green ID book applications (at non-Live Capture offices)
  • Correction of personal details on your ID — used alongside Form BI-309

You do not need a separate DHA-9 if you are only applying for a passport renewal where your fingerprints are already on record at DHA.

Why Can’t You Download Form DHA-9?

Each DHA-9 form contains a unique barcode generated at the time of your application. This barcode links the form specifically to your application reference number and the DHA branch processing it. A photocopied or downloaded form would not contain this barcode and would be rejected.

This is different from most other DHA forms, which are generic templates you can download, print, and complete before visiting a branch.

How to Get Form DHA-9

Inside South Africa: You do not need to collect it in advance. When you arrive at a DHA branch or Live Capture bank branch for your ID application, the official will generate your DHA-9 on the spot as part of the Live Capture process. Your fingerprints are taken at the same appointment.

Outside South Africa: Contact your nearest South African embassy or consulate to request the form. Some missions require you to mail a prepaid return envelope and a written request specifying that you need a DHA-9. Confirm the specific process with the mission before your appointment.

What Happens During DHA-9 Fingerprint Capture

At a Live Capture branch (which includes DHA offices, Capitec, and Nedbank), the process works as follows:

  1. A DHA official opens your application on the Live Capture system
  2. Your photograph is taken digitally — no printed photos required at Live Capture offices
  3. Your fingerprints are captured on the fingerprint scanner — all ten fingers
  4. You sign the form digitally on the signature pad
  5. The official prints the DHA-9 with your biometric data attached
  6. You sign the printed form in the presence of the official

At non-Live Capture offices, fingerprints may be taken using an ink pad directly onto the paper form. In this case, all ten fingerprints are required, and the form must be signed by the applicant.

DHA-9 for Applications Made Abroad

South African missions abroad use DHA-9 forms with fingerprints taken using an ink pad, as Live Capture systems are not yet available at all missions. The process:

  1. Visit the South African mission or consulate at your appointment time
  2. A consular official takes your fingerprints using an ink pad on the DHA-9 form
  3. You sign the form in front of the official
  4. The form is forwarded to DHA in Pretoria along with the rest of your application

Documents to Bring for Your Smart ID Application

When attending your appointment for DHA-9 fingerprint capture as part of a Smart ID application, bring:

First-time applicants:

Replacement applications (lost, stolen, or damaged ID):

  • Police report if the ID was lost or stolen
  • Completed Form BI-309 if requesting a correction of personal details

Naturalised citizens or permanent residents:

  • Naturalisation certificate or permanent residence permit
  • Certified copies of the above

Common Questions About DHA-9

Can I take my own fingerprints and bring them in? No. Fingerprints on DHA-9 must be taken by a DHA official or authorised operator in your presence. Self-completed or third-party fingerprint captures are not accepted.

My fingerprints were previously rejected — what happens? If your fingerprints cannot be captured clearly due to worn ridges or skin conditions, DHA uses an alternative verification process. You may be referred to a senior official. This is uncommon but does occur, particularly for older applicants or people who work with their hands.

Can Capitec or Nedbank do the DHA-9 fingerprint capture? Yes. Both Capitec and Nedbank operate Live Capture terminals for Smart ID and passport applications. The DHA-9 fingerprint capture forms part of the same process. Full guide to bank Smart ID services.

Do children need a DHA-9? Children under 16 do not hold Smart ID cards. DHA-9 is required from age 16 when applying for a first Smart ID.

Is the green ID book still valid? Yes. The green barcoded ID book remains a legally valid identity document. However, DHA no longer issues new green books — all new ID applications result in Smart ID cards only. If you currently hold a green ID book and have not yet applied for a Smart ID, you can do so at any Live Capture branch.

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