Apply for an Identity Document
South African citizens and qualifying permanent residents can apply for an identity document from age 16. For most people, the document being issued is the Smart ID Card. A first identity document is free. If an existing ID has been lost, stolen or damaged, a replacement application can be made through Home Affairs.
Which ID Application Do You Need?
The documents and fee depend on why you are applying. Choose the situation that matches your case before visiting Home Affairs.
This normally applies from age 16. The first issue is free. A parent should accompany a first-time applicant where required by Home Affairs.
Apply for a reissue. The current listed replacement fee is R140. Supporting documents depend on what happened to the old ID.
Home Affairs is expanding Smart ID replacement services through its own offices and participating bank branches.
A reissue can be required after a surname or other personal detail changes. Supporting records must show the correct details.
Applying for Your First Identity Document
A South African identity document can generally be applied for from age 16. The first issue is free.
Home Affairs guidance for first-time applicants says a parent should accompany the applicant where the parents are alive. If the parents are deceased, a legal guardian may need to accompany the applicant.
Your identity record depends on the information held by Home Affairs. If you need a birth certificate first, see our Birth Certificates Application guide .
Take the documents required for a first application. Home Affairs staff may need to verify the applicant and the parent or guardian.
Biometric details must be captured or verified. At a live capture office this includes the photograph and fingerprints used for the Smart ID Card.
Provide a working cellphone number when asked so that Home Affairs can send application or collection notifications.
Home Affairs has been expanding first-time Smart ID applications into its new bank partnership during 2026. Check the latest service offered at a participating branch before travelling.
Documents Required for an ID Application
The list below separates the main cases. Home Affairs can request additional records where identity, citizenship, permanent residence or personal details need further verification.
| Application | Main documents or information | Photo requirement |
|---|---|---|
| First ID application | Form BI-9 where applicable, certified copy of birth certificate or other accepted identity record, and parent or guardian identification where required. | At Smart ID live capture offices the photograph is captured digitally. Traditional applications can require colour ID photographs. |
| Lost, stolen or damaged ID | Existing ID details where available and supporting declaration or documentation requested by Home Affairs. Bring the damaged document if you still have it. | Live capture offices take the Smart ID photograph digitally. A Temporary Identity Certificate requires photographs. |
| Green ID book to Smart ID | Your Green barcoded ID book. If the book has been lost, Home Affairs may require supporting information or an affidavit. | Smart ID photograph and biometrics are captured electronically at live capture service points. |
| Surname or personal detail change | Current ID and the official record supporting the change. This can include a marriage certificate, divorce record or other Home Affairs record, depending on the change. | Smart ID service points capture the image digitally. |
| Permanent resident or naturalised citizen | Home Affairs may require permanent residence, naturalisation or exemption records in addition to the standard identity application. | Depends on the service point and application route. |
Online applications can involve uploaded copies, but originals can still be required when Home Affairs verifies the application or captures biometrics.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged ID
You can apply for a replacement if your Green ID book or Smart ID Card has been lost, stolen or damaged.
The current government service information lists R140 for replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged identity document.
If the ID was lost or stolen
Do not delay the replacement simply because you do not have the old document. Tell Home Affairs that the ID is no longer in your possession and provide the information or declaration they request for the replacement application.
If the card or book is damaged
Take the damaged document with you if you still have it. Home Affairs can then process the reissue using the correct identity record.
If the theft involved a wallet, phone, bank cards or other personal records, contact the affected institutions as well. Replacing the physical ID does not automatically secure unrelated bank or online accounts.
Changing From a Green ID Book to a Smart ID Card
Home Affairs is moving South Africans from the Green barcoded ID book to the Smart ID Card. The department has also expanded the number of places where Green ID holders can apply for Smart ID replacements.
In July 2026, Home Affairs reported 327 participating bank branches under its new Digital Partnership, together with 214 modernised Home Affairs offices. The number of participating branches continues to change, so use the current Home Affairs bank list rather than relying on an old branch list.
The new bank model initially focused on:
- South African citizens converting from Green ID books to Smart ID Cards.
- Qualifying naturalised citizens and permanent residents with Green ID books.
- Reissues for people who already had Smart ID Cards.
Home Affairs has said first-time Smart ID applications and more document services are being added as the bank system expands.
Home Affairs has announced plans to move away from the Green ID book, but its 2026 announcements describe the discontinuation roadmap as part of the ongoing rollout. Check Home Affairs for any future formal cutoff announcement.
Changing a Surname or Correcting ID Details
You can apply for an ID reissue when the personal information recorded on your identity document needs to change and Home Affairs has the supporting record for that change.
Surname after marriage or divorce
You may need your marriage or divorce record so that Home Affairs can verify the surname that should appear on the new ID.
If you need information about obtaining the supporting marriage record, see our Marriage Certificates guide .
Home Affairs made an error on the issued ID
The South African Government states that where an issued identity document contains an error in personal information, Home Affairs will replace the document free of charge.
If the information supplied to Home Affairs was correct but the department issued the document with incorrect information, take proof showing the correct details when requesting the correction.
ID Application Fees
The first issue of an identity document is free.
Current fee listed by official government service information.
Current amount listed on the South African Government ID service page.
A surname change, citizenship-related update or another special reissue can involve different circumstances. Check the current Home Affairs tariff before making payment rather than assuming every reissue uses the same fee.
Where Can You Apply?
Live Capture Office
A modernised Home Affairs office can capture your photograph, fingerprints and signature for a Smart ID Card.
eHomeAffairs
You can use the official online system for supported applications, payments and bookings. A physical visit is still needed where biometrics must be captured or verified.
Digital Partnership
Selected participating bank branches offer Smart ID services. The exact service and participating locations change as the rollout expands.
Applying Through eHomeAffairs
The Department of Home Affairs eHomeAffairs system allows supported users to submit Smart ID and passport applications online, make payments and arrange appointments where the system permits.
A branch visit is still required when Home Affairs needs to capture or verify your biometrics, including your photograph, fingerprints and signature.
Use your correct identity details and a cellphone that can receive the one-time PIN.
Complete the application fields using the information held on your identity or birth record.
The system will show the documents needed for the application you are making.
An online payment instruction may still need to be authorised through your bank.
Attend the Home Affairs or bank service point required for your application so your identity and biometrics can be verified.
For a screen-by-screen explanation, use our How to Use eHomeAffairs guide .
Applying for a Smart ID at a Bank
Home Affairs introduced a new Digital Partnership model with banks in March 2026. The rollout has expanded quickly, but not every bank branch offers Home Affairs services.
By July 2026 the participating network included branches from:
- Capitec
- Standard Bank
- First National Bank
- Absa
The department reported 327 participating bank branches by 22 July 2026.
A bank name appearing in the programme does not mean every branch can process an ID. Services are being activated branch by branch. The services offered can also differ while the rollout is being expanded.
Do first-time applicants use the bank system?
Home Affairs stated in July 2026 that first-time Smart ID applications were being added to the Digital Partnership before the end of 2026. For that reason, a first-time applicant should check the current branch service before going to a bank.
Do You Need a Home Affairs Appointment?
Home Affairs provides an online branch appointment service for participating offices. Booking can help you choose a service point and available slot where appointments are supported.
The department has moved its branch booking service to MyHomeAffairsOnline.
The newer Digital Partnership branch model can operate differently from the older eHomeAffairs bank process. Follow the instructions for the exact bank branch or service channel you intend to use.
Photo, Fingerprints and Signature
A Smart ID Card uses biometric information to confirm the identity of the applicant.
At a live capture Smart ID office, Home Affairs captures the photograph digitally. Your fingerprints and signature are also captured or verified as part of the application.
You therefore do not normally need printed ID photographs for a standard Smart ID live capture application.
The current government service page lists two ID photographs for a Temporary Identity Certificate. Traditional ID processes at offices without live capture can also have photo requirements.
Temporary Identity Certificate
A Temporary Identity Certificate, usually called a TIC, can serve as temporary proof of identity while an identity document issue is being resolved or processed, subject to Home Affairs verification.
The current South African Government identity document service page lists:
- Fee: R70.
- ID number: required for verification.
- Photographs: two ID photos.
Issuing the certificate is subject to verification of the applicant’s identity and fingerprints.
If you need temporary identification for a bank, employer, examination, travel-related matter or another specific transaction, check what that organisation will accept before relying on the certificate.
Permanent Residents, Naturalised Citizens and Applicants Abroad
Permanent residents
Qualifying permanent residents can obtain South African identity documents. Home Affairs may require the permanent residence certificate and other immigration or identity records so that the status can be verified.
Naturalised citizens
Naturalised citizens may need to provide or verify the naturalisation record when applying. Home Affairs expanded Smart ID access for naturalised citizens and permanent residents in 2025.
Applying while living outside South Africa
South Africans living abroad should deal with the relevant South African mission or consulate for the ID service available in that country. Applications handled abroad can follow a different submission route from the live capture process used inside South Africa.
Services offered by South African missions can differ. Confirm the documents, forms and appointment requirements directly with the mission handling your application.
Collection and Application Tracking
Give Home Affairs a working cellphone number when completing the application so that you can receive application and collection notifications where the service supports SMS updates.
Do not collect from a different office or bank simply because it is closer unless Home Affairs has confirmed that your document can be collected there.
How long does an ID take?
There is no single completion time that should be promised for every application. A normal Smart ID application, a first-time identity verification, a permanent resident case and an application with record problems can take different lengths of time.
Use the official tracking or notification channel connected to your application instead of relying on a fixed number of days from an old guide.
Avoid ID Application Scams
Home Affairs warns users not to pay people for branch booking slots. Official appointment bookings are free.
- Use official Home Affairs websites for bookings and applications.
- Do not pay someone on social media to obtain an appointment.
- Do not send a copy of your ID to an unknown person offering to “speed up” the application.
- Check the website domain before entering your ID number or banking details.
- Keep application receipts and reference information until you have collected the document.
The Department of Home Affairs lists its contact centre number as 0800 60 11 90. Use the official department for service problems or to confirm a process before paying anyone.
What Can You Do Once You Have Your ID?
An identity document is required for many everyday government and private services.
For example, an ID is commonly needed when applying for a learner’s licence. If driving is your next step, see how to apply for a learner’s licence .
An ID is also important when applying for an adult South African passport. Our South African Passport guide explains the passport application process.
Common Problems That Can Delay an ID Application
Useful Guides Before and After Your ID Application
Questions About South African ID Applications
At what age can I apply for a South African ID?
You can generally apply for a South African identity document from age 16.
How much is a first ID application?
The first issue of an identity document is free.
How much does it cost to replace a lost ID?
The current official government information lists R140 for replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged identity document.
Can I apply for a Smart ID online?
Yes, supported Smart ID applications can be started through the official eHomeAffairs system. A physical visit is still required where Home Affairs needs to capture or verify biometrics.
Can I apply for a Smart ID at a bank?
Selected participating bank branches offer Smart ID services under the Home Affairs Digital Partnership. Not every branch participates, and the exact service available can differ during the rollout.
Can a first-time ID applicant go to a bank?
Home Affairs announced that first-time Smart ID services were being added to participating bank branches during 2026. Check the current service at the exact branch before travelling.
Do I need ID photos for a Smart ID Card?
At live capture Smart ID service points the photograph is taken digitally. Printed photographs can still be required for a Temporary Identity Certificate and some non-live-capture processes.
What should I do if my ID is stolen?
Apply for a replacement through Home Affairs. If other personal items, bank cards or accounts were affected by the theft, contact the relevant institutions separately.
Can I get a temporary ID while waiting?
Home Affairs can issue a Temporary Identity Certificate subject to identity and fingerprint verification. The current gov.za service page lists the fee as R70 and requires two ID photos.
What happens if Home Affairs printed the wrong details on my ID?
The South African Government states that Home Affairs will replace an ID free of charge when the issued document contains errors in the personal information.
Is the Green ID book already invalid?
Home Affairs is actively moving holders to the Smart ID Card and has announced plans for a future discontinuation roadmap. Do not use an unofficial cutoff date. Check the latest Home Affairs announcement for the current legal status of the Green ID book.
Can permanent residents apply for a South African ID?
Qualifying permanent residents can obtain South African identity documents. Home Affairs may require permanent residence and related status records for verification.
Where can I get help with an ID application?
The Department of Home Affairs lists its Call Centre number as 0800 60 11 90.
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