TymeBank and Home Affairs: Smart ID & Passport Services
TymeBank does not yet offer Smart ID or passport applications. This page explains where TymeBank stands in the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) bank partnership, what its planned phase 2 involves, and where TymeBank customers can apply for a Smart ID or passport right now.
In summary
- Status: TymeBank has joined the DHA bank partnership, but its Smart ID and passport services are not live. No launch date has been announced.
- Why not yet: TymeBank is planning to join the second, app-based phase of the rollout rather than the current branch-based phase.
- Kiosks: TymeBank kiosks at Boxer and TFG stores cannot process Smart ID or passport applications.
- Apply now at: any Home Affairs office (no bank account needed), or a bank branch that offers the service. Each bank sets its own rules, and Capitec requires a Capitec account.
- Help: DHA Contact Centre, 0800 60 11 90.
Is TymeBank offering Smart ID or passport applications?
No. TymeBank joined the DHA digital partnership in September 2025, but it has not launched Smart ID or passport services under that agreement. It has said it will take part in the second phase of the rollout rather than the first phase currently run by banks such as Capitec, Standard Bank, FNB and Absa.
Why is TymeBank not part of phase 1?
Phase 1 runs through physical bank branches, where the applicant’s fingerprints and photo are captured in person. TymeBank works mainly through self-service kiosks in retail stores rather than traditional branches, which does not fit the phase 1 model.
TymeBank is also rolling out consumer hubs in shopping malls, which offer more in-person support than its kiosks. It has not said whether these hubs will offer DHA services.
What is phase 2?
Home Affairs has described a later phase in which people could apply for Smart IDs and passports through banking apps, with the finished document delivered by courier. This is part of the department’s wider “Home Affairs @ Home” plan. None of it is live yet, and no date has been confirmed for any bank.
When will TymeBank’s services be available?
No date has been announced. TymeBank has said it will share updates once it has confirmed information. We will update this page when that happens.
Where TymeBank customers can apply right now
1. A Home Affairs office. This is the simplest option if you do not want to open another bank account. You can apply for a Smart ID or passport at a DHA office, and booking through BABS is optional there. See our guide to booking a Home Affairs appointment.
2. A bank branch that offers the service. Other banks run Smart ID services at selected branches, but the rules differ from bank to bank:
| Bank | What to know (September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Capitec | Smart ID replacements and green ID book conversions only. Walk-in, no booking. You need a Capitec account, which can be opened on the same visit. R150 total. |
| Standard Bank | Smart ID and passport services at selected branches. Apply and book on eHomeAffairs first. |
| FNB | Smart ID and passport services at a small but growing number of branches. Apply and book on eHomeAffairs first. |
| Absa | Smart ID services at a small number of branches. Apply and book on eHomeAffairs first. |
Green ID book holders: The book will stop being valid as ID on 31 March 2028, so converting to a Smart ID now avoids the queues. See our green ID book deadline guide.
Whether a bank serves people who do not bank with it can change, so confirm with the bank before you go. See which banks offer Smart ID and passport services and the official DHA partner branch locator.
What you cannot do
- You cannot apply for a Smart ID or passport through TymeBank, its app, or its kiosks yet.
- You cannot use Capitec’s Smart ID service without a Capitec account.
- You cannot get a first-time Smart ID or a passport at Capitec. Use a DHA office or another bank.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Smart ID at TymeBank?
Not yet. TymeBank has joined the Department of Home Affairs bank partnership, but its Smart ID and passport services have not launched. It plans to take part in the second, app-based phase of the rollout.
When will TymeBank offer Smart ID and passport services?
No date has been announced. TymeBank has said it will share updates once it has confirmed information.
Can TymeBank’s kiosks at Boxer and TFG stores process a Smart ID?
No. The kiosks are not set up for Smart ID or passport applications under the current phase of the rollout.
I bank with TymeBank. Where can I apply for a Smart ID right now?
The simplest option is any Home Affairs office, which needs no bank account. Bank branches are also an option, but each bank sets its own rules, and Capitec requires you to have a Capitec account.
Can I use Capitec’s Smart ID service if I bank with TymeBank?
Only if you open a Capitec account, because Capitec processes the payment through it. Staff can open one on the same visit. Capitec also offers Smart ID replacements only, not first-time applications or passports.
Where can I apply for a passport if I bank with TymeBank?
At a Home Affairs office, or at a bank branch that offers passports. Bank passport services require you to apply and book on eHomeAffairs first.
What is phase 2 of the bank partnership?
Home Affairs plans to let people apply for Smart IDs and passports through banking apps, with courier delivery of the finished document. None of this is live yet, and no date has been confirmed.
Will TymeBank deliver Smart IDs to my door?
Courier delivery is part of Home Affairs’ stated plans for the app-based phase, but it is not available yet from any bank, and no date has been set.
Can I update my details with TymeBank after I get a new Smart ID?
Yes. TymeBank is a registered South African bank, so you can update your identity details through its app or a kiosk once your new Smart ID is issued.