Smart ID South Africa: Complete Guide for 2026
What Is the Smart ID Card?
The Smart ID card is South Africa’s official identity document. It is a credit-card-sized, hard-plastic card containing an embedded microchip that stores your biometric data: fingerprints, facial photograph, and personal information, in an encrypted format designed to prevent fraud and identity theft.
The DHA began issuing Smart ID cards in 2013 as a replacement for the old green barcoded ID book.
The green ID book is being actively phased out. Home Affairs director-general Thulani Mavuso has said the department aims to stop printing green ID books before the end of 2026, and President Ramaphosa confirmed in June 2026 that government will set a hard cutoff date after which the green ID book will no longer be recognised as valid identification, as part of a wider anti-fraud and anti-immigration enforcement push. No final cutoff date has been announced yet. For the full picture, see our green ID book phase-out guide.
Who Qualifies
| Category | Eligible |
|---|---|
| South African citizen by birth, aged 16 or older | Yes |
| South African citizen by naturalization, from a visa-exempt country | Yes, Phase 1 rollout from May 2025 |
| Permanent resident from a visa-exempt country, aged 16 or older | Yes, Phase 1 rollout from May 2025 |
| Permanent resident from a visa-required country | Not yet, Phase 2 date not confirmed |
| Non-citizens without permanent residence | No |
Fee Structure
| Situation | Fee |
|---|---|
| First-time applicant, age 16, never held any SA ID | Free |
| South African citizen aged 60 or older | Free |
| All other Smart ID applications (renewal, replacement, correction) | R140 |
| Temporary ID Certificate (TIC), interim document while waiting | R70 |
Fees are payable in cash at DHA offices or via internet banking for online applications through ehome.dha.gov.za. No photographs are required; image and fingerprints are captured digitally at the office or bank branch. Physical photographs are only required for Temporary ID Certificates.
Where To Apply
Option A: DHA live capture office. Any DHA office equipped with live capture technology can process Smart ID applications. Find your nearest office at dha.gov.za. Walk-ins are accepted. Pensioners over 60 receive priority service.
Option B: Participating bank branch. FNB, Capitec, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, Investec, African Bank, and TymeBank offer Smart ID services at selected branches. An appointment is required, book via ehome.dha.gov.za or through the bank’s app. Bank branches are often less crowded than DHA offices.
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.
Option C: DHA mobile units. The DHA operates mobile “Home Affairs on Wheels” units that travel to rural areas and communities with limited office access. Contact 0800 60 11 90 to find out if a unit is scheduled near you.
Part 1: Applying for a Smart ID
Documents You Need
Documents differ depending on whether you are a first-time applicant, renewing, or replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
First-time applicants:
- Completed Form BI-9 (available at DHA offices or online at ehome.dha.gov.za), black ink, block letters
- Original South African birth certificate (abridged or unabridged) or reference book
- Parent or legal guardian’s identity document, original and certified copy (for applicants under 18)
- If both parents are deceased: death certificates and certified copy of court order confirming legal guardianship
Renewal or replacement (existing green ID book or Smart ID holders):
- Completed Form BI-9, black ink, block letters
- Your existing Smart ID card or green ID book, if you still have it
- Proof of residential address: utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account
- If lost or stolen: SAPS affidavit or police report
- If personal particulars changed (name change, marriage, divorce): supporting documents such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
At DHA live capture offices and participating bank branches, your photo and fingerprints are captured digitally at the appointment. Physical photographs are only required if you are applying for a Temporary ID Certificate while you wait for your Smart ID.
Standard Application Process
- Register or log in at ehome.dha.gov.za
- Complete Form BI-9 online and upload documents
- Pay R140 online (free if 16 first-time or 60+)
- Book a biometric appointment at a DHA office or bank branch
- Attend in person, fingerprints and photo captured digitally
- Wait 10 to 14 working days, you’ll receive automated SMS updates at each stage
- Collect in person at the same location
Alternatively: walk into any DHA live capture office without an appointment. Complete Form BI-9 at the office, pay at the counter, and have your biometrics captured. This route takes longer due to queues but does not require internet banking access.
First-Time Applicants (Turning 16)
Free for applicants who have never held any South African identity document. Parent or guardian must attend in person for applicants under 18.
Full guide: First-Time Smart ID
Applicants Aged 60 and Older
Free for all South African citizens aged 60 or older. No fee regardless of whether you are upgrading from a green ID book or applying for the first time. Priority queue service at all DHA offices.
Full guide: Smart ID for Over 60s
Naturalized Citizens and Permanent Residents
Effective 12 May 2025, naturalized citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries can apply for a Smart ID. Phase 1 is limited to visa-exempt country applicants; Phase 2 (visa-required countries) has not yet been given a confirmed date. A Home Affairs spokesperson said in February 2026 that Phase 2 would open “this year,” but as of this writing no launch date has been confirmed, check dha.gov.za for updates.
Additional documents, naturalized citizens:
- Naturalization certificate (original plus certified copy)
- Form BI-1620 (collected at DHA office)
Additional documents, permanent residents:
- Permanent residency certificate (original plus certified copy)
- Form BI-1620 (collected at DHA office)
Confirm your NPR record is correct before applying: a mismatch causes rejection, and the R140 fee is not refunded.
Full guide: Smart ID for Naturalized Citizens and Permanent Residents
Part 2: Tracking Your Application
Update, August 2026: The SMS status check (ID + 13-digit ID number to 32551) has been discontinued. DHA confirmed to MyBroadband that this line was shut down after cybercriminals and fraudsters exploited it for phishing. There is no workaround or alternate number.
You shouldn’t need to check manually in most cases: DHA now sends automated SMS updates automatically at each stage of processing.
What to use instead:
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Automated SMS updates | Sent automatically, no action needed |
| eHomeAffairs portal | Log in at ehome.dha.gov.za with your SA ID number |
| Phone | Call 0800 60 11 90 with your ID number ready |
| Bank branch applicants | Check your bank’s own app, WhatsApp, SMS, or email channel |
Status messages explained:
- Application received: normal, biometrics captured, in processing
- Being processed: normal, card being produced at Government Printing Works
- At branch / ready for collection: go to the same office where you applied
- Collected: if you have not yet collected, call immediately
- No record found: check too early (wait at least 5 working days), or reference a possible data entry error
- Rejected: call 0800 60 11 90 for the reason
Don’t expect a manual check before 5 working days after your biometric appointment. If there is no collection notification after 20 working days, begin escalation.
Full guide: Smart ID Status Check
Part 3: If Your Application Is Taking Too Long
Standard processing time: 10 to 14 working days. Allow 20 before escalating.
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 5+ | Confirm your registered mobile number is correct if you haven’t received an automated update |
| Day 20+ | Call 0800 60 11 90, note reference number |
| Day 20+ | Email hacc@dha.gov.za with full details |
| Day 30+ | Visit branch in person, speak with Branch Manager, request formal trace |
| Day 45+ | Written complaint to the Director-General of Home Affairs |
Common delay causes: NPR record mismatch, biometric capture failure, Government Printing Works backlog, outstanding state debt, data entry errors. No expedited processing option exists for Smart IDs.
Full guide: Smart ID Taking Too Long
Part 4: If Your Application Is Rejected
You’ll be notified of a rejection via automated SMS, or the call centre will confirm the reason if you call. Common rejection causes and their fixes:
| Rejection reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| NPR mismatch | Correct NPR record first via Form BI-309 at DHA office, then reapply |
| Form BI-9 errors | Obtain a fresh form, complete correctly in black ink, pay R140 again |
| Biometric capture failure | Return for recapture (free if DHA technical failure) |
| Outstanding state debt | Call DHA for details, settle debt, reapply |
| Missing or insufficient documents | Resubmit complete, current document set, pay R140 again |
| Citizenship/eligibility issue | Naturalized citizens and PRs from visa-required countries not yet eligible |
| Duplicate application | Call to cancel duplicate, then reapply |
You cannot reapply while a previous application is still active. The R140 fee is non-refundable.
Full guide: Smart ID Application Rejected
Part 5: If Your Smart ID Has Wrong Information
Who pays for the correction depends on who made the error.
| Error source | Fee |
|---|---|
| DHA made the error | Free replacement |
| Applicant made the error on the form | R140 |
Correctable information: name, date of birth, ID number, gender, citizenship. You cannot correct by phone or email, you must visit a DHA office in person, surrender the existing card, and apply for a correction. If the error originates in the National Population Register (NPR), you must correct the NPR first via Form BI-309 before applying for the card correction, this can take several weeks.
A Temporary ID Certificate (R70) is available while you wait for the corrected card.
Full guide: Smart ID Wrong Information
Part 6: If Your Smart ID Is Lost or Stolen
Act in this order: identity protection first, replacement second.
- Report to SAPS: get a case number and sworn affidavit (free)
- Register with SAFPS: free Protective Registration at safps.org.za or 011 867 2234, alerts all banks and credit providers
- Alert your bank: use the fraud line for your bank, check your credit report
- Apply for replacement: R140, requires SAPS affidavit, book at services.dha.gov.za, biometrics recaptured, 10 to 14 working days
You cannot apply for a replacement without the SAPS affidavit. Collection always in person. A TIC (R70) is available while you wait.
Full guide: Lost or Stolen Smart ID
Part 7: Temporary ID Certificate (TIC)
The TIC is a bridging document that proves your identity while your permanent Smart ID is being processed or replaced.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee | R70 |
| Where | DHA offices only, not bank branches |
| Photos | 2 identical colour ID photographs required |
| Processing | Issued over the counter on the day (subject to queue) |
| Valid for | Voting, some banking, government services, not international travel |
The TIC cannot be used as a travel document. It cannot be issued if your fingerprints have never been captured on the DHA system.
Full guide: Temporary ID Certificate
Part 8: If Your Collection SMS Arrived But the Card Isn’t at the Branch
This is a known issue. The automated collection SMS is triggered when the card leaves Government Printing Works, not when it arrives at the branch. Transit time adds 2 to 3 working days.
Escalation steps:
- Wait 2 to 3 working days before assuming a problem
- Return to the branch and ask for a formal trace
- Call 0800 60 11 90 and log a complaint with a reference number
- Email hacc@dha.gov.za with all details and the reference number
- After 20 working days: return in person, escalate to Branch Manager, request GPW tracing
If the system shows “collected” but you never collected: report to SAPS immediately, register with SAFPS, and contact the DHA, this may be fraud.
Full guide: Smart ID Not at Branch
Part 9: After You Collect Your Smart ID
Before leaving the collection point: check your name, date of birth, ID number, gender, and photo for errors. Report any error immediately, DHA errors are replaced free of charge.
After you leave:
- Update your bank accounts (take your Smart ID to every bank where you hold an account, confirm FICA status)
- Update SASSA if you receive a grant
- Notify your employer’s HR department
- Update SARS if your name or details changed
- Update insurance, medical aid, loyalty programmes, and other service providers
- Destroy your green ID book, cut it up including through the barcode and biographical page. Do not keep it as a backup
Keep your Smart ID safe: do not bend, laminate, or expose to magnets. Store in a card holder. If lost, report immediately.
Full guide: Smart ID Received, What To Do Next
Official Contact Details
| Channel | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Automated SMS updates | Active | Sent automatically at each processing stage |
| Status check SMS (ID + ID number) | Discontinued | 32551, decommissioned due to phishing abuse |
| Toll-free hotline | Active | 0800 60 11 90 |
| Active | hacc@dha.gov.za | |
| eHomeAffairs portal | Active | ehome.dha.gov.za |
| Appointment booking | Active | services.dha.gov.za |
| DHA office locator | Active | dha.gov.za |
| Visa-exempt countries list | Active | dha.gov.za |
| SAFPS (identity fraud) | Active | 011 867 2234 / safps.org.za |
| SASSA | Active | 0800 60 10 11 / sassa.gov.za |
| Anti-corruption hotline | Active | 0800 701 701 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Smart ID cost? R140 for most applicants. Free for first-time applicants aged 16 who have never held any SA ID, and free for all South African citizens aged 60 or older. A Temporary ID Certificate costs R70.
How long does a Smart ID take? 10 to 14 working days from your biometric appointment. Allow up to 20 working days before escalating. You’ll receive automated SMS updates, the manual SMS check to 32551 has been discontinued.
Can I apply online? Partially. You can complete Form BI-9 and pay the fee online at ehome.dha.gov.za, but you must still attend a DHA office or bank branch in person for biometric capture. You cannot complete the full process without attending in person.
Can I apply at a bank? Yes. FNB, Capitec, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, Investec, African Bank, and TymeBank offer Smart ID services at selected branches. An appointment is required. Note that naturalized citizens and permanent residents can use bank branches only if from visa-exempt countries.
Do I need photographs? No physical photographs are required for Smart ID applications, your photo is captured digitally at the office or bank branch. Physical photographs are only needed for the Temporary ID Certificate (R70).
Can someone collect my Smart ID on my behalf? No. Collection always requires your in-person attendance for fingerprint verification. Third-party collection is not permitted under any circumstances.
I am a permanent resident. Can I get a Smart ID? From 12 May 2025, permanent residents from visa-exempt countries can apply. Permanent residents from visa-required countries must wait for Phase 2, the DHA has not confirmed a date.
Can I keep my green ID book after getting my Smart ID? You can, but you should not. Green ID books carry a materially higher fraud and forgery risk than Smart IDs since they lack embedded biometric security features. Destroy it once you have updated your key accounts.
What do I do if there is an error on my Smart ID? If you notice it at the collection point, report it immediately. If it is the DHA’s error, the correction is free. If you notice it after leaving, see the Smart ID wrong information guide.
My Smart ID was lost or stolen. What now? Report to SAPS first, then register with SAFPS to protect your identity, then alert your bank, then apply for a replacement (R140). See the lost or stolen Smart ID guide.
Is the SMS status check to 32551 still working? No. DHA confirmed it was decommissioned after being exploited for phishing. Use the automated SMS updates, the eHomeAffairs portal, or call 0800 60 11 90 instead.
All Smart ID Guides on This Site
- Smart ID Status Check
- Smart ID Taking Too Long
- Smart ID Application Rejected
- Smart ID Wrong Information
- Lost or Stolen Smart ID
- First-Time Smart ID
- Smart ID for Over 60s, Free Application
- Smart ID for Naturalized Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Temporary ID Certificate (TIC)
- Smart ID Not at Branch, Collection Problems
- Smart ID Received, What To Do Next