How to Use eHomeAffairs
Start an ID or passport application online
eHomeAffairs lets supported users create a profile, capture an application, attach supporting documents, make payment and complete online steps before visiting a service point for biometric capture or verification.
To use eHomeAffairs, register with your South African ID number, personal details, email address and cellphone number. Verify your cellphone with an OTP and confirm your email address. You can then log in, capture a supported Smart ID or passport application, attach documents where requested, complete payment and follow the instructions for biometric capture. A physical visit is still required where Home Affairs must capture or verify your photograph, fingerprints and signature.
eHomeAffairs is one of the Department of Home Affairs’ online systems. It can reduce the amount of paperwork completed at a physical office, but it does not make every ID or passport application completely remote.
The eHomeAffairs website currently describes its online ID and passport service as being available to South African citizens by birth. Other categories of applicants should use the Home Affairs service route that applies to their status rather than assuming that an eHomeAffairs account will support the application.
eHomeAffairs and MyHomeAffairsOnline Are Not the Same Portal
Used for supported online Smart ID and passport applications, supporting documents, payments and certain bank appointment functions. The login username is normally your South African ID number.
The newer Home Affairs portal now handles Department of Home Affairs branch appointment bookings. It also provides other selected newer digital Home Affairs services.
The previous Branch Appointment Booking System moved to MyHomeAffairsOnline. If you want to reserve an appointment at a Department of Home Affairs branch, use the newer booking platform rather than an old BABS link.
What Can You Do on eHomeAffairs?
The official eHomeAffairs portal currently lists the following core functions:
The portal specifically states that a branch visit is mandatory to capture or verify biometric information where required.
How to Register for eHomeAffairs
Start by opening the official eHomeAffairs website and selecting the registration option.
Use the names and identity information that match the Department of Home Affairs record.
Check both carefully. The portal uses them for verification and account communication.
Enter the characters displayed by the site. The eHomeAffairs page currently states that its CAPTCHA is not case sensitive.
Follow the password requirements displayed during registration.
Enter answers you will remember and keep them private.
Request the OTP and enter it in the registration process.
Open the verification message sent by Home Affairs and follow the instruction in that email.
Once the account is active, log in using your ID number and password.
eHomeAffairs Password Requirements
The current registration page requires an eHomeAffairs password to:
- Contain at least 8 characters.
- Contain at least one uppercase letter.
- Contain at least one special character.
The site gives examples of special characters such as brackets, hyphens, underscores and characters including @, #, $, %, ^, & and !.
Your Home Affairs profile contains sensitive identity information. A unique password reduces the risk if another website you use is compromised.
How the eHomeAffairs OTP Works
eHomeAffairs uses a one-time PIN, or OTP, to verify access and certain account actions.
When you log in, keep the registered cellphone near you because the portal sends an OTP to the cellphone number linked to your account.
What if the OTP does not arrive?
Check:
- That your phone has network coverage.
- That the cellphone number linked to the profile is correct.
- That your phone is able to receive SMS messages.
- Whether there is a temporary delay before requesting another OTP.
- Whether the portal is experiencing a temporary service problem.
An OTP can be used to approve access to a sensitive identity service. Do not share it with a person claiming they can speed up your ID, passport or booking.
How to Log In to eHomeAffairs
The eHomeAffairs login uses:
- Your South African ID number as the username.
- Your eHomeAffairs password.
- The displayed CAPTCHA.
- An OTP sent to your registered cellphone.
Use the official Department of Home Affairs domain. Do not sign in through a link sent by an unknown person offering paid Home Affairs appointments.
How to Start an ID or Passport Application
After logging in, choose the application service available to your profile and circumstances.
Select the supported identity document or passport service shown in your profile.
Make sure the information displayed or entered matches your Home Affairs record.
Provide all information requested by the online form.
The portal provides an upload stage where supporting records are required.
Check your application carefully before moving to payment or finalisation.
Uploading Supporting Documents
Not every application needs the same supporting documents. Upload only the documents requested for your application.
Supporting records can depend on:
- The service being requested.
- Whether Home Affairs can verify your information electronically.
- Changes to personal information.
- Whether additional citizenship or civil status checks are needed.
Make sure scans or photographs are readable and show the full document. If the system asks for a specific document type, use the correct record rather than an unrelated substitute.
If your application depends on a civil registration record, our related guides include: Birth Certificates and Marriage Certificates .
How eHomeAffairs Payment Works
eHomeAffairs supports online payment for applications. The amount due depends on the Home Affairs service you selected.
When the payment stage appears:
- Check the application and amount shown.
- Choose the available payment option presented by the portal.
- Follow the banking authorisation process displayed for your payment.
- Make sure the payment is successfully completed before assuming the application is ready for the next step.
- Keep any payment confirmation or application reference available.
Use the payment process displayed by the official system. If an application does not show payment as completed, investigate the transaction through the portal, your bank and Home Affairs rather than sending a second payment to a private person.
For current ID costs and replacement rules, see our Apply for an Identity Document guide.
For current passport requirements and fees, see Apply for a Passport or Travel Document .
Do You Need to Book a Home Affairs Appointment?
The answer depends on which service point you intend to use.
The upgraded booking system was introduced partly to prevent people from blocking appointment slots and selling them. Do not buy a Home Affairs appointment from someone online.
Why You Still Need a Biometric Visit
eHomeAffairs clearly states that a physical visit remains mandatory where biometric details have to be captured or verified.
Home Affairs biometrics can include:
Check your application status and complete every biometric or service point step required by the portal.
Using eHomeAffairs at a Bank Branch
This part of the process changed substantially during 2026.
The older bank model
Under the older Home Affairs bank arrangement, customers generally completed an application through eHomeAffairs, made the payment online, booked an enabled bank branch and visited the branch mainly for biometric capture.
The new 2026 Digital Partnership
Home Affairs launched a new bank Digital Partnership in March 2026. Participating banks connect directly to Home Affairs through a secure digital system.
Under the new model, supported Smart ID applications at participating branches can be completed without first using the older eHomeAffairs booking workflow.
At that stage, the new Digital Partnership was focused mainly on eligible Smart ID replacements and conversion from Green ID books. Home Affairs said first-time Smart ID and adult and minor passport services would continue to be added before the end of 2026.
Check the exact participating branch and the service currently active at that branch before travelling.
Using eHomeAffairs for a Passport
eHomeAffairs lists passport applications as one of its supported online services for eligible users.
The basic route is:
- Log in to eHomeAffairs.
- Choose the passport application available to your profile.
- Complete the application information.
- Attach supporting documents where requested.
- Complete the required payment.
- Follow the service point and biometric instructions.
- Complete biometric capture or verification.
- Follow Home Affairs instructions for the completed passport.
Biometric verification and the remaining Home Affairs processing steps still have to be completed.
See our South African Passport guide for passport types, fees, child applications, lost passports and applications from abroad.
Using eHomeAffairs for a Smart ID
Eligible users can also start supported ID applications through eHomeAffairs.
The online application does not remove the need to complete identity verification and biometric requirements.
Home Affairs now has several channels, including modernised DHA offices and the expanding 2026 bank Digital Partnership. The correct route depends on your application type and eligibility.
For first IDs, replacements, lost IDs, Green ID conversions and other identity document situations, see Apply for an Identity Document .
Can You Save an eHomeAffairs Application and Finish Later?
Yes. The official portal says you can complete an application and save it if you want to submit it later.
This is useful if:
- You still need a supporting document.
- You want to check information before submitting.
- You cannot complete the payment step immediately.
- The application session needs to be continued later.
When you return to the application, make sure it has actually been submitted and that all remaining steps are complete.
What If You Forgot Your eHomeAffairs Password?
Use the Forgot Password / Password Reset option on the official eHomeAffairs login page.
Do not create repeated duplicate accounts simply because you cannot remember the original password. Use the recovery process first.
Common eHomeAffairs Problems
Check network coverage, the registered cellphone number and whether there is a temporary SMS or portal delay before requesting another OTP.
Check the spam or junk folder. The registration page specifically advises users to check spam if the verification email does not arrive.
Enter names and identity details as they appear on the Home Affairs identity record. A mismatch can prevent verification.
Check whether the banking authorisation was completed and whether the transaction has been reflected by the portal before attempting another payment.
Standard Home Affairs branch appointments moved to MyHomeAffairsOnline in June 2026.
The available service depends on the bank, branch and whether it is using the older or newer Home Affairs banking model. Check the current participating branch information.
Do not repeatedly submit the same payment or create another profile while the status is unclear. Keep screenshots or reference details and contact Home Affairs if the problem continues.
Avoid eHomeAffairs and Booking Scams
Home Affairs online systems contain valuable identity information, so treat your account details carefully.
The Department moved branch bookings to a verified-profile system in 2026 after criminals had been blocking appointments and selling them to members of the public.
Also avoid giving another person:
- Your eHomeAffairs password.
- Your OTP.
- Access to your email account.
- Your banking authorisation details.
- Copies of identity documents without a legitimate reason.
If someone claims they can guarantee an ID or passport by bypassing the normal Home Affairs process, do not give them account access.
Related Home Affairs Guides
Browse the Information section for practical guides covering identity documents, passports, registrations and government services.
eHomeAffairs Questions
What is eHomeAffairs?
eHomeAffairs is an official Department of Home Affairs online service that allows supported users to create a profile, submit ID and passport applications, attach documents, make payments and complete certain booking steps.
Who can register for eHomeAffairs?
The current eHomeAffairs homepage describes the service as available to South African citizens by birth. Applicants in other citizenship or residence categories should use the Home Affairs route that applies to their status.
What do I need to create an eHomeAffairs account?
The registration process asks for your personal details, South African ID number, date of birth, email address, cellphone number, password and security information.
What is my eHomeAffairs username?
The eHomeAffairs login page uses your South African ID number as the username.
Does eHomeAffairs send an OTP?
Yes. The login and registration processes use a one-time PIN sent to the registered cellphone number.
Can I apply for a passport on eHomeAffairs?
Yes. Passport applications are one of the online services listed by eHomeAffairs for supported users. A physical biometric visit is still required where Home Affairs must capture or verify biometric details.
Can I apply for a Smart ID on eHomeAffairs?
Yes. eHomeAffairs supports eligible ID applications, although Home Affairs now also provides other application channels, including modernised offices and the expanding Digital Partnership with banks.
Can I complete the entire application from home?
No. eHomeAffairs states that a branch visit is mandatory where your photograph, fingerprints or signature must be captured or verified.
Can I save an eHomeAffairs application and finish it later?
Yes. The official portal says an application can be saved and submitted later.
Where do I book a Home Affairs branch appointment in 2026?
Home Affairs moved its upgraded branch appointment system to MyHomeAffairsOnline in June 2026.
Is MyHomeAffairsOnline the same as eHomeAffairs?
No. They are separate Home Affairs online platforms. eHomeAffairs continues to support selected ID and passport application functions, while MyHomeAffairsOnline now includes the Department’s branch appointment booking service and other newer digital services.
Do I need an appointment to finalise eHomeAffairs at a Home Affairs office?
The eHomeAffairs portal currently states that an applicant can finalise the application at a Home Affairs office without an appointment. If you prefer to secure an available branch appointment, the current booking platform is MyHomeAffairsOnline.
Can I use eHomeAffairs at a bank?
The older bank model used eHomeAffairs for online applications, payments and bank appointments. Home Affairs launched a newer Digital Partnership in 2026 that allows supported services to be completed through participating bank service environments without the same eHomeAffairs booking process.
Does every participating bank branch offer passports?
No. The 2026 Digital Partnership is being expanded in phases. Home Affairs stated in July 2026 that adult and minor passport services and first-time Smart ID applications would continue to be added before the end of 2026. Check the exact branch before visiting.
How do I reset my eHomeAffairs password?
Use the Forgot Password or Password Reset option on the official eHomeAffairs login page.
What if the eHomeAffairs OTP does not arrive?
Check your cellphone connection and registered number, allow for a temporary delay and request a new OTP through the official portal if necessary. Contact Home Affairs if the problem continues.
Is an eHomeAffairs appointment free?
Home Affairs appointment slots are free. Do not pay a private person to obtain or sell you a booking.
eHomeAffairs Help
Contact Home Affairs if the online process is stuck
Keep your ID number, application reference and a clear description of the problem available when asking for assistance. Do not send your password or OTP by email.
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