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Smart ID for Naturalized Citizens and Permanent Residents — 2026 Guide

Last Updated: March 9, 2026|Reviewed By: Home Affairs Editorial Team|Fact-checked against official DHA and Other Official Sources|Not affiliated with the DHA

What Changed in May 2025

For the first time in South Africa’s history, naturalized citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for a Smart ID card.

In May 2025, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber announced that over 1.4 million naturalized citizens and lawful permanent residents were eligible to obtain Smart IDs and use eHomeAffairs for the very first time. Currentaffairsza

Previously, IT system limitations within the DHA barred naturalized South African citizens and permanent residents from accessing Smart IDs. These individuals were left reliant on the old green ID book, which is easier to forge due to its paper-based design. Xpatweb

This is a Phase 1 rollout. It currently applies to naturalized citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries only. Phase 2, which will extend access to those from visa-required countries, has not yet been given a confirmed launch date. The DHA will communicate when the next phase opens for applications. SAnews

Are You Eligible?

To apply for a Smart ID under this rollout, you must meet all of the following:

RequirementDetail
StatusNaturalized South African citizen or lawful permanent resident
Country of originFrom a visa-exempt country (Phase 1 only)
Existing IDCurrently in possession of a green barcoded SA ID
Age16 years or older
NPR recordYour identity must be traceable on the National Population Register

What is a visa-exempt country? A visa-exempt country is one whose citizens can enter South Africa without first applying for a visa. The DHA maintains the official and current list of visa-exempt countries on its website. Because this list is subject to change, always verify directly: dha.gov.za — visa-exempt countries.

I am from a visa-required country — what do I do? Once volumes reduce, applicants from non-visa-exempt countries will also be assisted. The DHA will communicate when this next phase opens for applications. Erickson Immigration Group Monitor dha.gov.za and hacc@dha.gov.za for announcements. In the meantime, your green ID book remains a valid identity document.

Fee

ApplicantFee
Naturalized citizen (any age, except 60+)R140
Permanent resident (any age, except 60+)R140
Naturalized citizen or permanent resident aged 60 or olderFree

The standard R140 fee applies. There is no additional fee or surcharge for naturalized citizens or permanent residents compared to birth citizens.

Documents Required

Naturalized Citizens

  • Completed Form BI-9 — collect at a DHA office or complete online at ehome.dha.gov.za, filled in black ink and block letters
  • Your green barcoded ID book — original plus a certified copy
  • Your naturalization certificate — original plus a certified copy (DHA will certify the copy at the office)
  • Proof of residential address — utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account in your name

As confirmed by the Western Cape Government: if your naturalization certificate cannot be provided, you must apply for a duplicate before submitting your Smart ID application.

Permanent Residents

  • Completed Form BI-9 — collect at a DHA office or complete online at ehome.dha.gov.za
  • Your green barcoded ID book — original plus a certified copy
  • Your permanent residency certificate — original plus a certified copy (DHA will certify)
  • Proof of residential address — utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account in your name
  • If you hold an exemption certificate, bring the original and a certified copy as well
  • Form BI-1620 — this must be completed at a DHA office (not available online or to download)

If your permanent residency certificate cannot be furnished, you must first apply for a duplicate by completing Form BI-829 at a DHA office.

No physical photographs are required. Your photo and fingerprints are captured digitally at the office or bank branch.

Not sure what documents to take to Home Affairs? Click Here To Use our free checklist and walk in fully prepared.

Where to Apply

Applications can be done at all live capture offices, bank branches, and via the eHomeAffairs portal. Applicants can also register and book appointments via the eHomeAffairs portal and the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS). Erickson Immigration Group

Option A — DHA live capture office (available to all eligible applicants)

Walk in to any DHA live capture office or book an appointment at services.dha.gov.za. All live capture offices are processing applications from this group. This is the most reliable option if you are unsure of your eligibility status or have a complex situation (e.g., missing naturalization certificate, NPR discrepancy).

Option B — Participating bank branch (visa-exempt applicants only)

The DHA is involving more participating bank branches where Smart ID and passport applications can be processed, as part of its efforts to build a modern, digital, and citizen-centric Home Affairs and meet citizens where they are. Xpatweb Book via ehome.dha.gov.za. An appointment is required.

Important: Naturalized citizens and permanent residents can use bank branches only if they are from visa-exempt countries. Those from visa-required countries must use a DHA live capture office once Phase 2 opens.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Online Route

  1. Go to ehome.dha.gov.za and register or log in using your SA ID number
  2. Complete Form BI-9 online with your details exactly as they appear on your existing ID
  3. Upload scanned copies of your naturalization certificate or permanent residency certificate and your green ID book
  4. Pay the R140 fee online via internet banking (free if you are 60 or older)
  5. Book a biometric appointment at a participating DHA office or bank branch
  6. Attend your appointment in person with original documents
  7. A DHA official captures your fingerprints and photo digitally — no physical photos required
  8. Wait 10 to 14 working days for processing
  9. Track by SMS: ID [space] your 13-digit ID number to 32551 (R1 per SMS)
  10. Collect your Smart ID in person at the same location

Walk-In Route

  1. Visit any DHA live capture office — walk-ins are accepted
  2. Collect Form BI-9 and Form BI-1620 (for permanent residents) at the office
  3. Complete both forms in black ink and block letters
  4. Submit with all original documents listed above
  5. Pay R140 (or confirm fee waiver if 60 or older)
  6. Have biometrics captured — no photos needed
  7. Receive confirmation and wait for SMS collection notification

NPR Discrepancies — Resolve First

Your application will be rejected if your details on the National Population Register (NPR) do not match your supporting documents. This is a common issue for naturalized citizens and long-term permanent residents.

Before applying, verify your NPR record is correct by contacting 0800 60 11 90 or visiting a DHA office. If there is a mismatch — in your name, date of birth, or citizenship record — you must correct this first by completing Form BI-309 at a DHA office. NPR corrections can take several weeks. Do not submit your Smart ID application until the NPR record is confirmed correct, as a rejected application requires paying R140 again.

What You Cannot Do

  • You cannot apply for a Smart ID if you are a permanent resident from a visa-required country — Phase 2 has not yet opened. Continue to use your green ID book until the DHA announces Phase 2
  • Naturalized citizens and permanent residents can 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
  • You cannot apply without your existing green barcoded ID — the DHA uses it to verify your NPR record
  • You cannot apply if your naturalization or permanent residency certificate is missing — a duplicate must be obtained first
  • You cannot have someone collect your Smart ID on your behalf — collection is always in person with fingerprint verification

Official Contact Details

ChannelDetail
Status check SMSID + space + 13-digit ID number to 32551 (R1 per SMS)
Toll-free hotline0800 60 11 90
Emailhacc@dha.gov.za
eHomeAffairs portalehome.dha.gov.za
Appointment bookingservices.dha.gov.za
Visa-exempt countries listdha.gov.za
DHA office locatordha.gov.za
Anti-corruption hotline0800 701 701

This website is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs. All contact details are sourced from www.dha.gov.za.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did naturalized citizens and permanent residents become eligible for Smart IDs? Effective May 12, 2025, eligible permanent residents and naturalized citizens may obtain a Smart ID card. Fragomen This was a first in South Africa’s history, following months of IT system reforms at the DHA.

I am naturalized but was born in a visa-required country. Can I apply? Not yet under Phase 1. The DHA has stated that a second rollout for non-visa-exempt nations will be conducted, but the date has not been announced yet. You can visit any live capture DHA office, and the officials will assist you manually by completing your application and collecting your biometric information on-site Visasabroad — however, as of March 2026 Phase 2 remains pending. Monitor dha.gov.za for updates.

How do I know if my country of origin is visa-exempt? Check the official DHA visa-exempt countries list at dha.gov.za. This list is updated periodically. Do not rely on third-party sources for the definitive list.

Do I pay R140 or is the Smart ID free for me? The R140 fee applies to naturalized citizens and permanent residents unless you are 60 or older, in which case the fee is waived. There is no additional cost compared to birth citizens.

Can I use a bank branch or must I go to a DHA office? Both options are available if you are from a visa-exempt country. Book via ehome.dha.gov.za for bank branch appointments. Bank branches are often less crowded. If you are from a visa-required country, you must wait for Phase 2 and will need to use a DHA live capture office.

My NPR record has errors — what happens if I apply anyway? Your application will be rejected. A rejected application does not qualify for a refund of the R140 fee. Correct your NPR record via Form BI-309 at a DHA office before applying. This can take several weeks — plan ahead.

What if I cannot find my naturalization or permanent residency certificate? You must obtain a duplicate before applying for a Smart ID. For a missing naturalization certificate, contact the DHA at 0800 60 11 90 or visit a DHA office. For a missing permanent residency certificate, complete Form BI-829 at a DHA office to request a duplicate.

How long does processing take? The same standard timeline applies: 10 to 14 working days from biometric capture. Track by sending ID [your 13-digit ID number] to 32551 (R1 per SMS). If no collection notification arrives after 20 working days, call 0800 60 11 90.

Can I still use my green ID book while waiting for my Smart ID? Yes. Your green ID book remains valid while your Smart ID application is processed. If you need additional proof of identity in the interim, you may apply for a Temporary ID Certificate (R70) at a DHA office.

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