Pensioners do not pay Home Affairs for a Smart ID: citizens aged 60 and over get the card free. The one exception is a bank’s own fee, such as Capitec’s R10. This page covers what to bring, where to apply, priority service for pensioners, and what to do if you are charged.
In summary
- Home Affairs fee: free for South African citizens aged 60 and over. Everyone else pays R140.
- At Capitec: R10, Capitec’s own service fee, and you need a Capitec account.
- What to bring: your green ID book or Smart ID, and proof of address. No photos.
- Priority: pensioners are generally served in a priority queue at DHA offices.
- Time: usually 10 to 14 working days. Collect in person.
Do pensioners pay for a Smart ID?
No Home Affairs fee. The R140 fee is waived for every South African citizen aged 60 or older, whether you are converting a green ID book, replacing a lost or damaged card, or applying for the first time. The Western Cape Government and the Overstrand Municipality both confirm the waiver.
| Applicant | Home Affairs fee | Bank fee |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen aged 60 or older, at a DHA office | Free | None |
| Citizen aged 60 or older, at an eHomeAffairs bank branch | Free | None |
| Citizen aged 60 or older, at Capitec | Free | R10 Capitec service fee |
| All other replacements and conversions | R140 | R10 extra at Capitec |
Do pensioners pay at Capitec?
Yes, R10. Capitec charges its own R10 service fee on every Smart ID application, including those where Home Affairs waives its fee. You also need a Capitec account, because payment runs through it; staff can open one for you on the same visit. Capitec handles replacements and green ID book conversions only. See our Capitec Smart ID guide.
Why apply now
The green ID book is being phased out. The Minister of Home Affairs has announced that it stops being valid on 31 March 2028, and that production ends on 31 March 2027. More banks, employers and government departments now ask for a Smart ID specifically. See green ID book phase out.
A Smart ID helps you:
- Open or update a bank account
- Access SASSA grants and other services
- Register for medical aid and insurance
- Update vehicle and property records
- Vote
What to bring
- Form BI-9, available at DHA offices (or completed online on eHomeAffairs)
- Your green ID book or Smart ID card (the original)
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or municipal account. If it is not in your name, the account holder must give a sworn affidavit that you live there.
You do not need photographs. Your photo and fingerprints are captured digitally.
Your green ID book: since May 2026, DHA no longer takes it away. It is defaced (marked or punched) when you get your Smart ID and handed back to you, but it can no longer be used as ID.
Not sure what to take? Use our free Home Affairs checklist.
Where to apply
Option A: a DHA live capture office (all provinces). Walk in, or book on BABS at myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za. According to Govnet, pensioners receive priority service at DHA offices. Tell the official at reception that you are 60 or older.
Option B: an eHomeAffairs bank branch. Absa, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Investec and Discovery offer Smart ID services at selected branches. Book on eHomeAffairs first; walk-ins are not accepted. No bank fee.
Option C: Capitec. Walk-in, no booking, about 5 minutes at a self-service terminal. Requires a Capitec account and charges R10. Replacements and conversions only.
Option D: DHA mobile units. DHA sends mobile units to rural areas, retirement villages and community halls. Call 0800 60 11 90 to ask whether one is visiting your area.
Step by step
Online route (eHomeAffairs and a bank branch)
- Register or log in at ehome.dha.gov.za with your ID number
- Complete Form BI-9 online, exactly as your details appear on your current ID
- Upload any documents requested
- No payment is needed: the fee is waived for over-60 applicants
- Book an appointment at a DHA office or participating bank branch
- Attend in person with your original documents
- Have your photo and fingerprints captured
- Wait about 10 to 14 working days
- Collect in person where you applied
Walk-in route (no internet needed)
- Go to any DHA live capture office
- Tell reception you are 60 or older, for the priority queue
- Complete Form BI-9 in black ink and block letters
- Submit it with your current ID and proof of address
- Say you are over 60 before any payment is requested
- Have your biometrics captured and wait for the collection SMS
If you are charged the R140 fee
Home Affairs should not charge you if you are 60 or older. If an official asks for R140:
- Say that you are over 60 and the fee is waived for your age group
- Ask for a supervisor or the branch manager
- Avoid paying and claiming later; refunds are slow
- If it continues, call 0800 60 11 90 or email hacc@dha.gov.za
At Capitec, the R10 is Capitec’s own fee, not the waived Home Affairs fee.
Processing and collection
Smart IDs usually take 10 to 14 working days. You may hear through two separate channels: Home Affairs sends its own automated SMS when your card is ready, and if you applied at a bank, the bank may also send its own message through its app, SMS, WhatsApp or email. They are not linked, so you may receive one, both or neither. The 32551 SMS status line has been discontinued. See the Smart ID status check.
Collect in person where you applied. There is no separate collection booking; see how ID collection works.
Mobility and accessibility
- Mobile units: call 0800 60 11 90 to ask about visits to retirement villages, community halls and rural areas near you.
- Help from family: a family member or caregiver can come with you and help with the form, but you must be there in person for your photo and fingerprints.
- Bank branches: these often have better physical access than older DHA offices.
- Fingerprints that cannot be captured: tell the official. DHA has an alternative process for people whose fingerprints cannot be captured because of a physical condition.
What you cannot do
- You cannot send someone else to collect your Smart ID. Your fingerprints are checked at collection.
- You cannot apply for a Smart ID at a DHA office without live capture facilities.
- You cannot get a first-time Smart ID at a bank branch; use a DHA office.
- You cannot check your status by SMS. The 32551 line is discontinued.
Official contact details
| Channel | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| DHA Contact Centre | Active | 0800 60 11 90 (toll-free) |
| Active | hacc@dha.gov.za | |
| eHomeAffairs | Active | ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv3 |
| Appointment booking (BABS) | Active | myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za |
| Anti-corruption hotline | Active | 0800 701 701 |
| Status check SMS (32551) | Discontinued | Shut down after phishing abuse |
Frequently asked questions
Do pensioners pay for a Smart ID card?
No Home Affairs fee. South African citizens aged 60 and over get their Smart ID free, whether they are converting a green ID book, replacing a card or applying for the first time. The only possible charge is a bank’s own service fee.
Do pensioners pay for a Smart ID at Capitec?
Yes, R10. Home Affairs waives its R140 fee, but Capitec charges its own R10 service fee on every application. You also need a Capitec account, which staff can open on the day.
Do pensioners get preference at Home Affairs?
Yes. Pensioners are generally served in a priority queue at DHA offices. Tell the official at reception that you are 60 or older when you arrive.
Do I have to give up my green ID book when I apply?
No. Since May 2026, DHA no longer takes the green ID book away. It is defaced (marked or punched) when you get your Smart ID and handed back, but it can no longer be used as ID.
I am 60 and have never had an ID document. Can I still apply?
Yes, if your birth was registered. Bring your birth certificate and a certified copy to a DHA office; bank branches do not handle first-time applications. The fee is waived because you are over 60.
Can I apply at a bank branch at my age?
Yes, if you are a citizen by birth. Most banks require an eHomeAffairs booking. Capitec takes walk-ins but requires a Capitec account and charges R10.
My fingerprints are worn. Will this be a problem?
Worn fingerprints are common in older applicants. The official may try several captures or other fingers. If capture keeps failing, DHA has an alternative process for people whose fingerprints cannot be captured.
How long does the Smart ID take?
Usually 10 to 14 working days. DHA sends an automated SMS when it is ready, and a bank may send its own message if you applied there. The 32551 SMS status line has been discontinued.
Can a family member collect my Smart ID for me?
No. You must collect in person, because your fingerprints are checked. If you cannot travel, call 0800 60 11 90 and ask whether a mobile unit can visit your area.
I was charged R140 even though I am over 60. Can I get a refund?
Contact hacc@dha.gov.za and 0800 60 11 90 with your receipt, ID number and the office where you paid. Refunds go through DHA head office and take time, so mention your age before paying.
When does the green ID book stop being valid?
On the announced timeline, the green ID book stops being valid on 31 March 2028, and new green ID books stop being produced on 31 March 2027. The dates were announced by the Minister of Home Affairs in a keynote address published by DHA on 1 October 2026 (read the address). See our green ID book deadline guide for the key dates, who must switch and how.