How To Check Your SA Passport Application Status
If you’re trying to check your passport status by SMS or online and it isn’t working, you’re not doing anything wrong. Both methods this page used to describe no longer function. Here’s what’s actually working right now, and what’s replaced them.
What Changed
SMS status check (P + ID to 32552) — discontinued. DHA confirmed to MyBroadband that this line was shut down after cybercriminals and fraudsters exploited it for phishing. There is no workaround, retry, or alternate number that restores it.
Online status portal (dha.gov.za/status) — confirmed not working. This portal has been down since at least March 2026. As of this update, it remains non-functional. Do not use this as a status-check method — go straight to the Contact Centre instead.
What actually replaces both: DHA now sends automated SMS updates automatically, without you needing to check anything, at each stage of your application:
- Application received
- Payment confirmed
- Biometric capture completed
- At Government Printing Works
- Ready for collection
You should receive these pushed to the mobile number captured at your application. If you’re not receiving them, that’s the actual problem to solve — not the absence of a working manual check.
The Solution: What To Do Instead
Step 1 — Confirm your registered mobile number is correct. Most “I’m not getting updates” cases come down to a wrong or outdated number on the application. If you’re unsure which number DHA has on file, this is the first thing to check before assuming the system has failed.
Step 2 — Call the DHA Contact Centre. 0800 60 11 90 (toll-free, Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00) is now your primary method — both the SMS and online checks are down. Have ready:
- Your full name
- Your 13-digit South African ID number
- Your application reference number from your receipt
- The date and location of your biometric appointment
A consultant can read your current status directly from the system.
Step 3 — If you applied through eHomeAffairs, check the portal directly. Log in to eHomeAffairs — applications submitted there may show status independently of the down dha.gov.za/status page.
Step 4 — If you applied abroad, use VFS Global or email the mission. Log in to your VFS Global account and navigate to My Applications. For embassy/consulate applications, email hacc@dha.gov.za with your full name, ID number, application reference number, and the mission where you applied.
What Each Status Message Means
If you get your status read to you by the Contact Centre, here’s what each result means:
| Status Message | Meaning | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Application received | Captured and being processed | No action needed — wait for next update |
| At Government Printing Works | Being physically printed | No action needed — collection update coming |
| Ready for collection | Printed and waiting at your branch | Collect in person at the branch where you applied |
| Refer to office | An issue requires an in-person visit | Visit your nearest DHA office with all original documents |
| No record found | Application wasn’t captured in the system | Visit your nearest DHA office immediately with your receipt |
| Finalised | Process is complete | Confirm whether a collection notification has followed |
Status Shows “Ready for Collection”
Go to the DHA office or bank branch where you submitted your biometrics and collect in person. Bring your Smart ID card or green ID book as proof of identity. You will not receive a separate collection appointment — collect during normal operating hours once confirmed ready.
Third-party collection is strictly prohibited under DHA Circular No. 1 of 2022. You must collect in person. No exceptions.
Status Shows “Refer to Office”
This means a specific issue is blocking your application that can’t be resolved remotely. Common causes:
- A discrepancy with the National Population Register
- A missing document not caught at submission
- A fingerprint or photo quality issue
- A citizenship status query needing verification
Bring your Smart ID or green ID book, your original receipt, your birth certificate, and any relevant supporting documents. Ask the official to document the specific reason in writing before you leave.
Status Shows “No Record Found”
Visit your nearest DHA office immediately with your original receipt as proof you applied. This usually means a system error at the office or bank branch where you applied. If you applied at a bank branch, contact the bank’s Home Affairs service desk first to confirm the application transmitted correctly.
No Update in Weeks
Call the DHA Contact Centre first — with the SMS and online checks both down, this is now your fastest confirmation route. If there’s genuinely been no change after 30 working days from your biometric appointment, follow the full escalation process: [SA Passport Taking Too Long — What To Do].
Official Contact Details
| Channel | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Automated SMS updates | Active | Sent automatically at each processing stage |
| DHA Contact Centre | Active — primary method | 0800 60 11 90 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00) |
| SMS status check (P + ID) | Discontinued | 32552 — decommissioned due to phishing abuse |
| Online status portal | Down, not working | dha.gov.za/status — confirmed non-functional |
| eHomeAffairs portal | Active for online applications | ehome.dha.gov.za |
| VFS Global tracking | Active for abroad applications | vfsglobal.com |
| Email (abroad applications) | Active | hacc@dha.gov.za |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my SA passport application status now? Call the DHA Contact Centre on 0800 60 11 90. The SMS check to 32552 has been discontinued, and the online portal at dha.gov.za/status is confirmed down.
Why isn’t the SMS to 32552 working? It’s not a fault on your end — DHA confirmed the line was decommissioned after fraudsters exploited it for phishing. There’s no workaround.
Is the online status portal working again? No. dha.gov.za/status remains down and non-functional. Do not rely on it — call the DHA Contact Centre on 0800 60 11 90 instead.
I haven’t received any SMS updates at all. What’s wrong? Confirm the mobile number on your application is correct and current — this is the most common cause. If it’s correct and you still haven’t heard anything after your biometric appointment, call the Contact Centre.
What does “refer to office” mean on my passport status? An issue with your application needs an in-person visit. It won’t progress until you go in with your original documents, including ID, birth certificate, and receipt.
What does “no record found” mean? Your application wasn’t captured in the system, usually due to a system error at submission. Visit your nearest office immediately with your receipt as proof.
My status hasn’t changed in over 6 weeks. Is that normal? No. After 30 working days with no change, escalate — call 0800 60 11 90 first, then email hacc@dha.gov.za if unresolved.
I applied abroad at VFS Global. How do I check status now? Log in to your VFS Global account and check My Applications. You can also email hacc@dha.gov.za with your application reference number.
Can someone else check my status on my behalf? Only by calling the Contact Centre with your ID number and details. The self-service SMS and online methods that didn’t require verification are the ones now discontinued or down.