Lost or Stolen Smart ID — What To Do and How To Replace It
Act Immediately — Do Not Wait
A lost or stolen Smart ID is a serious identity risk. The priority is not replacing the card — it is stopping someone from using your identity.
Do these three things as soon as you realise your Smart ID is missing:
- Report it to SAPS — get a case number and affidavit
- Register with SAFPS — alert South African banks and credit providers that your identity has been compromised
- Alert your bank — request a fraud flag on your account
Only once your identity is protected should you focus on the DHA replacement process.
Step 1 — Report to SAPS and Get Your Affidavit
Visit your nearest police station immediately and report the loss or theft.
At the police station:
- Report the loss or theft and open a case
- Obtain a SAPS case number — you will need this for your DHA replacement application and for any identity fraud disputes
- Have a sworn affidavit prepared stating that your Smart ID was lost or stolen — this is required by the DHA when you apply for a replacement
The affidavit is prepared free of charge at the police station by a Commissioner of Oaths (SAPS officer). It serves as your temporary proof that the loss has been formally reported, and also protects you if the card is used fraudulently before you can report it to credit providers.
Important: Be accurate in your affidavit. State clearly whether the Smart ID was lost (misplaced) or stolen (taken without your consent). This distinction does not affect your replacement fee for a Smart ID — both cost R140 — but it is important for any criminal or fraud proceedings that may follow.
Step 2 — Protect Your Identity
This is the most critical step. A stolen Smart ID can be used to open bank accounts, apply for credit, or commit fraud in your name.
Register with SAFPS (South African Fraud Prevention Service)
SAFPS is a non-profit organisation that alerts member banks, credit providers, and financial institutions that your identity has been compromised. Registration is free.
Apply for Protective Registration at safps.org.za or call 011 867 2234. You can also email protection@safps.org.za.
You will receive a Protective Registration reference number within 48 hours. Any SAFPS member that receives a credit or service application using your ID number will be alerted and required to take additional verification steps before proceeding.
Alert Your Bank
Contact your bank’s fraud line immediately and report your Smart ID as lost or stolen. Request that they place a fraud flag on your account. Most major South African banks have 24-hour fraud lines:
| Bank | Fraud Line |
|---|---|
| Absa | 0800 111 155 |
| Capitec | 0860 10 20 43 |
| FNB | 087 575 9444 |
| Nedbank | 0800 110 929 |
| Standard Bank | 0800 020 600 |
Check Your Credit Report
Obtain a free credit report from any major South African credit bureau to check for unauthorised accounts or enquiries made in your name. You only need to contact one — contacting one alerts the others.
- TransUnion SA — free annual report available
- Experian SA — free annual report available
- Compuscan
- XDS
If you find fraudulent accounts or enquiries, provide each credit provider with your SAPS case number and affidavit to dispute the activity in writing.
Step 3 — Apply for a Replacement Smart ID
Once your identity is protected, apply for a replacement Smart ID at a DHA live capture office or participating bank branch.
Replacement Fee
| Document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lost or stolen Smart ID replacement | R140 |
The R140 fee applies regardless of whether the card was lost or stolen. There is no reduced fee, no waiver, and no free replacement for lost or stolen Smart IDs (unlike first-time 16-year-old applicants and citizens over 60 who qualify for free Smart IDs).
Documents Required
- Completed Form BI-9 — available at any DHA office, completed in black ink and block letters
- SAPS affidavit confirming the loss or theft (obtained in Step 1)
- SAPS case number — note this on your application
- Any other valid identity document you have (if you still have your old green ID book, bring it)
- If applying at a bank branch: proof of payment of the R140 fee via ehome.dha.gov.za or at the counter
Where To Apply
Option A — DHA live capture office (all provinces): Walk in or book at services.dha.gov.za. Available to all applicants including naturalized citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries.
Option B — Participating bank branch: Book via ehome.dha.gov.za or through the bank’s app (FNB and Capitec). Available to South African citizens by birth. Naturalized citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries may also be eligible — confirm with the specific branch before travelling.
Replacement Process
- Book an appointment at services.dha.gov.za or walk in to a DHA live capture office
- Complete Form BI-9 at the office (or online via ehome.dha.gov.za before your visit)
- Pay R140 at the counter or via internet banking through the eHomeAffairs portal
- Submit your Form BI-9, SAPS affidavit, and any other documents
- Have your photo and fingerprints recaptured digitally at the office
- Wait 10 to 14 working days for processing
- Check status by sending
ID [space] your 13-digit ID numberto 32551 (R1 per SMS) - Collect in person at the same location — third-party collection is not permitted
Not sure what documents to take to Home Affairs? Click Here To Use our free checklist and walk in fully prepared.
While You Wait — Temporary ID Certificate
If you urgently need proof of identity while your replacement Smart ID is being processed, apply for a Temporary ID Certificate (TIC) at any DHA office.
A TIC costs R70, is valid for a limited period, and can only be issued at DHA live capture offices — not at bank branches. You will need two identical colour passport photographs for the TIC.
Full guide: Temporary ID Certificate — When and How To Get One
What You Cannot Do
- You cannot apply for a replacement Smart ID without a SAPS affidavit — it is a mandatory document
- You cannot have someone collect your replacement Smart ID on your behalf — you must collect it in person with fingerprint verification
- You cannot apply for a replacement while a previous Smart ID application is still active in the DHA system
- Naturalized citizens and permanent residents can now apply for Smart IDs at bank branches (Phase 1 rollout), but only if they are from certain visa-exempt countries. All others must still use a DHA live capture office
Official Contact Details
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status check SMS | ID + space + 13-digit ID number to 32551 (R1 per SMS) |
| DHA toll-free hotline | 0800 60 11 90 |
| DHA email | hacc@dha.gov.za |
| eHomeAffairs portal | ehome.dha.gov.za |
| Appointment booking | services.dha.gov.za |
| SAFPS (identity fraud prevention) | 011 867 2234 | safps.org.za |
| SAFPS email | protection@safps.org.za |
| SAPS emergency | 10111 |
| DHA anti-corruption hotline | 0800 701 701 |
This website is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or SAFPS. All contact details are sourced from www.dha.gov.za and www.safps.org.za.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a lost or stolen Smart ID? R140. This applies to all replacement applications — there is no distinction between lost and stolen for pricing purposes.
Do I need a SAPS affidavit to replace a lost Smart ID? Yes. A SAPS affidavit is mandatory for all lost or stolen Smart ID replacement applications. Visit your nearest police station, report the loss, and have an affidavit prepared free of charge before going to the DHA or a bank branch.
What is SAFPS and why should I register? SAFPS (South African Fraud Prevention Service) is a non-profit that alerts member banks and credit providers when your identity has been compromised. Registering is free and takes effect within 48 hours — it significantly reduces the chance of someone opening credit accounts or bank accounts in your name using your lost Smart ID.
Someone has already used my Smart ID to apply for credit. What do I do? Contact the credit provider directly with your SAPS case number and affidavit to dispute the application. Register with SAFPS and call 011 867 2234. Obtain a free credit report from TransUnion or Experian to identify all fraudulent accounts. Contact each credit provider listed in writing with your SAPS case number.
Can I apply for a replacement Smart ID at a bank branch? Yes, if you are a South African citizen by birth. Book via ehome.dha.gov.za or through your bank’s app. You will still need to bring your SAPS affidavit. Naturalized citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries may also be able to apply at bank branches — confirm with the specific branch first.
How long does a replacement Smart ID take? 10 to 14 working days from your biometric appointment. Track your application by sending ID [your 13-digit ID number] to 32551 (R1 per SMS).
Can I use a Temporary ID Certificate while I wait for my replacement Smart ID? Yes. A Temporary ID Certificate (TIC) costs R70 and is available at any DHA live capture office. It serves as proof of identity while your replacement is processed. Full guide: Temporary ID Certificate
My replacement Smart ID arrived but someone already collected it. What do I do? This is a serious matter. Visit the branch immediately with your identity documents and the SAPS case number. Report the unauthorised collection to the DHA and to SAPS. Contact hacc@dha.gov.za and 0800 60 11 90 in parallel. Full guide: Smart ID Not Delivered — What To Do
Related Guides
- Smart ID Application — Hub
- Smart ID Status Check
- Temporary ID Certificate — When and How To Get One
- Smart ID Not Delivered — What To Do
- Smart ID Complete Guide 2026