Guide to Navigating the South African Home Affairs Online Booking System
Your stress-free guide to booking Smart ID and passport appointments
What is the Home Affairs Online Booking System?
The Department of Home Affairs offers two digital systems to streamline your application process:
Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS)
- Book specific time slots at participating Home Affairs offices
- Available for Smart ID and passport applications only
- Requires valid South African ID number
eHomeAffairs Alternative
- Complete most of the process online
- Finalize at participating bank branches
- Available at Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, and Absa
How to Use the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS)
- Visit www.dha.gov.za
- Navigate to the BABS section
- Enter your SA ID number and personal details
- Select your province and preferred branch
- Choose an available timeslot
- Receive confirmation via SMS/email
Important: You can reschedule or cancel appointments through BABS, but appointments aren’t transferable to other people.
Participating Branches
| Province | Participating Branches |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Pretoria (Byron), Akasia, Alexandra, Soweto, Centurion, Roodepoort, Randburg, Alberton, Edenvale |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, Barrack Street, Bellville, Paarl, Wynberg, Khayelitsha, George |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Ndwedwe, Tongaat |
| Eastern Cape | Lusikisiki, Mthatha, Gqeberha |
| North West | Brits, Rustenburg, Klerksdorp |
| Limpopo | Groblersdal, Jane Furse |
| Mpumalanga | Emalahleni (Witbank), Mbombela (Nelspruit), Ermelo |
For the most current list of participating branches, call the Home Affairs Contact Centre at 0800 60 11 90.
Applying for a Smart ID
First-Time Smart ID Application
- Form BI-9 (completed at office)
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Proof of address
- Two color ID photos (unless office has live capture)
- Fingerprints taken on-site (Form DHA-9)
Replacing Green ID Book
- Existing green barcoded ID book
- Proof of address
- Form BI-9
- Fingerprints and photo taken on-site
Cost: R140 (first ID free, replacements due to errors free)
Applying for a Passport
- Form DHA-73 (passport application form)
- Valid SA ID or birth certificate (if under 16)
- Four passport-sized photos (ICAO standards)
- Parental consent for minors
- Police report for lost/stolen passports
Passports are valid for 10 years for adults (16+) and are processed in Pretoria.
The eHomeAffairs Alternative
- Register at eHomeAffairs
- Complete online application
- Pay application fee via internet banking
- Book biometrics appointment at participating bank
- Collect document when ready
Participating Banks
| Bank | Availability |
|---|---|
| Standard Bank | Johannesburg, Centurion, Tshwane, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban |
| FNB | Selected branches |
| Nedbank | Selected branches |
| Absa | Selected branches |
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Double-check all required documents before your appointment
- Verify your chosen branch supports BABS or eHomeAffairs
- Apply well in advance of when you need your documents
- Use a stable internet connection for online applications
- Contact Home Affairs at 0800 60 11 90 for assistance
Potential Challenges
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Non-participating branches | Check list before booking or use eHomeAffairs |
| Missing documents | Prepare certified copies in advance |
| Technical issues | Try during off-peak hours |
| Processing delays | Apply at least 3 months before needed |
Final Advice
BABS is best if you prefer dealing directly with Home Affairs, while eHomeAffairs is ideal for minimizing in-person visits. Choose based on your schedule and location convenience.
Remember to check the Home Affairs website for any system updates or changes to the process.