The green ID book deadline is 31 March 2028: the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced that the book will stop being valid as an identity document on that date, and that production of new green ID books ends on 31 March 2027. Minister Leon Schreiber announced the dates in a keynote address published by DHA on 1 October 2026. Until the cutoff, the green ID book is still accepted, but DHA wants everyone to switch to a Smart ID card well before then.
Official source: the dates come from the Minister’s keynote address, published on dha.gov.za on 1 October 2026. In it, DHA says the green ID book ceases to be recognised as valid ID on 31 March 2028 under section 25(1)(b) of the Identification Act. We have not yet seen a separate notice in the Government Gazette, so check dha.gov.za for any further notice.
In summary
- Cutoff: the green ID book stops being valid ID from 31 March 2028, under section 25(1)(b) of the Identification Act.
- Production ends: new green ID books stop being made on 31 March 2027, when the machines are shut down for good.
- Time to switch: about 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents hold only a green ID book, down from 16 million six months ago. They have 12 months after the March 2027 shutdown to get a Smart ID card.
- Cost: R140 for most people. DHA confirms first-time applicants and citizens aged 60 and over stay exempt from the fee. Capitec adds a R10 service fee at its branches.
- Bank branches: DHA says 515 bank branches now offer walk-in Smart ID replacement with no prior booking or paperwork, and it plans over 1,000 service points by the end of 2026. Capitec also needs a Capitec account.
- Not yet eligible: DHA says it will open Smart ID applications to the remaining naturalised citizens, permanent residents and South African citizens abroad before 31 March 2027.
- What to do: apply for a Smart ID now rather than near the deadline.
What is the green ID book deadline?
On the dates announced, the deadline is 31 March 2028: from that day the green ID book stops being accepted as a valid identity document. Production stops a year earlier, on 31 March 2027, which is why DHA describes the period in between as the time to switch.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2026 | The Minister announces the dates in a keynote address published by DHA. |
| 31 March 2027 | Green ID book production stops and the machines are decommissioned. DHA says it will open Smart ID applications to the remaining naturalised citizens, permanent residents and citizens abroad before this date. |
| 31 March 2028 | The green ID book is no longer valid ID. |
These dates come from the Minister’s address. DHA has moved its own Smart ID timelines before, so check dha.gov.za for any further notice.
Is the green ID book still valid today?
Yes. On the announced timeline, the green barcoded ID book stays valid until 31 March 2028. Do not assume it has already stopped working, and do not let anyone tell you it has unless you have confirmed it with a DHA office or the official DHA website.
A DHA Deputy Director-General has also said that once the book is no longer recognised, the Smart ID will be the only legal document for dealings with financial institutions. Banks may start asking for the Smart ID before the cutoff, so switching early avoids problems.
Can I still vote with my green ID book?
Yes. The 2026 local government elections are on 4 November 2026, and the Electoral Commission (IEC) accepts a green barcoded ID book, a Smart ID card or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate as identity. The announced cutoff of 31 March 2028 comes well after election day.
What happens if I do not replace my green ID book?
On the announced timeline, a green ID book will no longer count as valid ID after 31 March 2028. In practice, expect banks, employers, government offices and other institutions that need to verify who you are to refuse it from that date, and a Smart ID card will be the document they ask for. If you wait until the last months, you also risk long queues at DHA offices and bank branches.
You will not be penalised for holding the book until the cutoff, but you will not be able to rely on it afterwards.
Why is the green ID book being phased out?
Fraud. The green ID book is paper-based and has no chip. Its photograph can be swapped, which makes it easier to forge or alter than a Smart ID card, which stores biometric data on an embedded chip. President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the green ID book has enabled identity theft by undocumented immigrants and criminal syndicates.
Digital identity. The phase-out is part of DHA’s wider “Home Affairs @ Home” programme, which includes the bank branch Smart ID rollout and plans for a digital ID.
Green ID book vs Smart ID card
| Green ID book | Smart ID card | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Paper booklet with a barcode | Plastic card with a chip |
| Fraud risk | Easier to forge, because the photograph can be swapped | Harder to forge, with biometric data on an embedded chip |
| Valid ID after 31 March 2028 | No (announced) | Yes |
| New ones issued after 31 March 2027 | No (announced) | Yes |
| Accepted to register and vote in November 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| Cost to get one | Not worth applying for: it would stop being valid on 31 March 2028 | R140, free for first-time applicants and citizens aged 60 and over |
Your 13-digit ID number does not change when you switch. The Smart ID card carries the same number as your green ID book.
What should you do now?
If you still hold a green ID book:
- Apply for a Smart ID now. DHA is urging everyone who holds only a green ID book to switch immediately. About 14.7 million people have to switch in roughly 18 months. Spread evenly, that is about 800,000 people a month, against about 220,000 a month over the last six months, when the number fell from 16 million to 14.7 million (our own arithmetic from DHA’s figures). Queues are likely to get longer as the deadline gets closer.
- Pick where to apply. You can apply at a DHA live capture office, or at a participating bank branch. At participating walk-in bank branches, DHA says the switch takes as little as five minutes, with no prior booking or paperwork. Capitec does walk-in Smart ID replacements and green ID book conversions, and a Capitec account is required. See which Capitec branches do Smart ID and which banks offer Smart ID and passports.
- Update your key accounts (bank, SASSA, employer, SARS) once your Smart ID card arrives.
- Look after your old book. Since May 2026, DHA no longer keeps the green ID book when you apply. It is marked as cancelled and handed back, and it can no longer be used as ID. Destroy it securely rather than keeping it as a backup.
For the full process, documents and fees, see our Smart ID complete guide.
How to switch from a green ID book to a Smart ID, step by step
- Choose where to apply. A DHA live capture office takes walk-ins. Bank branches either take bookings through eHomeAffairs or, at Capitec, take walk-ins with a Capitec account. See which banks offer Smart ID and passports.
- Book if you need to. Bank branches on eHomeAffairs require a booking. DHA offices do not, but a booking can shorten your wait. See our guide to booking a Home Affairs appointment.
- Take your green ID book. Your fingerprints and photo are captured on the day, and you pay the R140 fee unless you are 60 or older or applying for the first time.
- Wait for the SMS. Home Affairs sends an automated SMS when your card is ready, usually within 10 to 14 working days. See how to check if your Smart ID is ready.
- Collect it in person at the branch where you applied. See how ID collection works.
If you are 60 or older, see our guide to the free Smart ID for citizens aged 60 and over. If you have lost your green ID book, apply for a Smart ID as normal and see our guide to the Temporary Identity Certificate for proof of identity in the meantime.
Naturalised citizens, permanent residents and citizens abroad
Until now, many naturalised citizens and permanent residents could not easily get a Smart ID. DHA says it will enable the remaining group, and South African citizens abroad, to apply before 31 March 2027. Until it does, follow our guide for naturalised citizens and permanent residents to see what is available to you today.
Where can I apply for a Smart ID?
You have three options:
- DHA live capture office: available in all provinces, walk-ins accepted.
- Participating bank branch: some need an appointment and some take walk-ins, depending on the bank.
- DHA mobile units: “Home Affairs on Wheels” units serve areas with limited office access. Call 0800 60 11 90 to ask whether one is scheduled near you.
Official contact details
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| DHA toll-free hotline | 0800 60 11 90 |
| DHA email | hacc@dha.gov.za |
| DHA website | dha.gov.za |
| Anti-corruption hotline | 0800 701 701 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the green ID book deadline?
The announced deadline is 31 March 2028, when the green ID book stops being valid as ID. Production of new green ID books is set to stop a year earlier, on 31 March 2027.
What is the last day I can use my green ID book?
On the announced timeline, 31 March 2028. After that it will no longer count as valid ID.
Does Home Affairs still issue green ID books?
Production is set to continue until 31 March 2027, but there is no reason to apply for a new one, because a green ID book would stop being valid on 31 March 2028. Apply for a Smart ID instead.
Does SASSA accept the green ID book?
Until the cutoff, the green ID book remains valid ID. SASSA sets its own verification rules, so ask your local SASSA office, and expect to need a Smart ID once the green ID book is no longer valid.
Can permanent residents replace their green ID book with a Smart ID?
DHA says it will open Smart ID applications to the remaining permanent residents and naturalised citizens before 31 March 2027. Until then, see our guide for naturalised citizens and permanent residents to find out what is available to you now.
When will the green ID book stop being valid?
From 31 March 2028, when it ceases to be recognised as valid ID under section 25(1)(b) of the Identification Act, according to the Minister’s keynote address published by DHA on 1 October 2026.
When does green ID book production stop?
On 31 March 2027, when the machines used to produce the green ID book are shut down and permanently decommissioned.
How many people still have a green ID book?
About 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents hold only a green ID book, according to DHA. The number was 16 million six months ago.
Can I vote with my green ID book in the 2026 local government elections?
Yes. The elections are on 4 November 2026, and the IEC accepts the green barcoded ID book, the Smart ID card or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate. The announced cutoff is 31 March 2028.
Does the green ID book have an expiry date?
No date is printed in it. The announced cutoff of 31 March 2028 is the first fixed end date for the document.
What happens if I do not replace my green ID book before 31 March 2028?
On the announced timeline, it will no longer count as valid ID, so expect banks and other institutions that must verify your identity to refuse it. You would also face long queues if you leave the switch to the last months.
Will my ID number change when I get a Smart ID?
No. Your 13-digit ID number stays the same. The Smart ID card carries the same number as your green ID book.
Should I apply for a new green ID book?
No. Apply for a Smart ID instead. Production of green ID books is set to stop on 31 March 2027, and a green ID book would stop being valid on 31 March 2028.
I lost my green ID book. What should I do?
Apply for a Smart ID, not a new green ID book. A Temporary Identity Certificate, which costs R70, can serve as proof of identity while you wait.
What do I need to replace my green ID book with a Smart ID?
Take your green ID book if you still have it. At a Capitec branch you do not need documents for the application itself, but you do need a Capitec account.
Can I apply for a Smart ID online?
Partly. Citizens by birth can complete and pay for the application on eHomeAffairs, but your fingerprints and photo are captured in person at a DHA office or a participating bank branch.
How long does a Smart ID take after I apply?
Usually 10 to 14 working days from your biometrics appointment. Home Affairs sends an automated SMS when the card is ready.
Do pensioners also have to switch from the green ID book?
Yes, the announced cutoff applies to everyone. Citizens aged 60 and over pay no Home Affairs fee for a Smart ID, although Capitec still charges its own R10 service fee.
Is the green ID book deadline real or fake news?
It is real. Minister Leon Schreiber announced it in a keynote address that DHA published on dha.gov.za on 1 October 2026. In earlier years DHA denied viral messages about a 31 March green ID book deadline, so always check dha.gov.za. There is no fee to keep your green ID book valid until the cutoff, so treat any SMS or link demanding money or your ID number as a scam.
Do I need a booking or documents to switch to a Smart ID at a bank?
DHA says that at its walk-in bank branches the switch takes as little as five minutes and needs no prior booking or paperwork. Capitec requires a Capitec account, and bank branches that work through eHomeAffairs need a booking.
How many bank branches offer Smart ID replacement?
DHA says 515 bank branches now offer walk-in Smart ID replacement, and over 822,500 people have used the service. DHA plans over 1,000 service points by the end of 2026.
Can I apply for a first-time Smart ID or a passport at a bank?
Not yet at the walk-in bank branches. DHA says first-time Smart ID and passport applications will shortly become available there, but it has not given a date. Branches that work through eHomeAffairs already handle both with a booking.
Is the green ID book still valid right now?
Yes. On the announced timeline it stays valid until 31 March 2028.
Do I need to replace my green ID book right now?
There is no legal requirement to do it immediately, because the book is still valid. Applying now is the safer choice, because about 14.7 million people have to switch before the cutoff and queues are likely to grow.
Can I still use my green ID book to vote, bank or apply for services?
Yes, for now. It remains accepted until the cutoff. A DHA Deputy Director-General has said the Smart ID will be the only legal document for financial transactions once the book is no longer recognised.
How much does a Smart ID cost?
R140 for most applicants. It is free for first-time applicants and for citizens aged 60 and over. Capitec adds its own R10 service fee on every application.
I am a naturalised citizen or permanent resident. Can I get a Smart ID?
DHA says it will open applications to the remaining naturalised citizens and permanent residents before 31 March 2027. Until then, see our guide for naturalised citizens and permanent residents to find out what is available to you now.
I live abroad. How do I get a Smart ID before the cutoff?
DHA says it will enable South African citizens abroad to apply for Smart ID cards before 31 March 2027. Check dha.gov.za for the launch date and the process.
What happens to my green ID book when I get my Smart ID?
Since May 2026, DHA no longer takes the book away. It is marked as cancelled and handed back, and it can no longer be used as ID. Destroy it securely once you have updated your key accounts.
Why is the government phasing out the green ID book?
Mainly because of fraud. The paper book has no chip and its photograph can be swapped, which makes it easier to forge than a Smart ID card.
Could the dates change?
They could. DHA has moved its own Smart ID timelines before, and we have not yet seen a separate Government Gazette notice. Check dha.gov.za for any further notice.
What about Digital ID?
DHA showed a working Digital ID prototype on 1 October 2026, but it has no public launch date and its final rules are still in draft. DHA says the Smart ID card will remain available and that Digital ID will be voluntary, so it is not a reason to wait. See our guide on whether you can skip the Smart ID card for Digital ID.