Expanded Access to Smart ID and Passport Services
In a move to enhance access to smart ID card and passport services, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has endorsed 27 bank branches where citizens can apply for or renew these essential documents.
This initiative aims to streamline the application process and reduce waiting times.
Extended Operational Hours
To accommodate the increased demand for smart ID card and passport services, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has granted a temporary extension of operational hours for 198 offices.
This extension adds an extra two hours to the service hours, ensuring that more citizens can access these services conveniently.
Future Expansion Plans
The Department of Home Affairs has plans to further expand access to smart ID card and passport services.
After signing partnership agreements, they intend to add an additional 43 locations to the list of endorsed branches.
List of Endorsed Bank Branches
Currently, Home Affairs offers these services through six banks, each with multiple branches across South Africa.
Here’s a breakdown of the number of branches per bank:
- Standard Bank: 9 branches
- FNB: 7 branches
- Nedbank: 5 branches
- ABSA: 4 branches
- Discovery Bank: 1 branch
- Investec: 1 branch
Required Documents for Application
When applying for a smart ID card or passport online in South Africa, specific documents are necessary to prevent fraudulent identity cloning.
These documents may include:
- Your green ID booklet
- A birth certificate for new applicants
- Travel or ID documents from former homelands
- Documentation to verify legal guardianship in cases of adoption
- Your parents’ IDs
- Death certificates for deceased parents
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
- Permanent resident certificate for those born elsewhere
- Sworn and signed police affidavit with a case number if your ID document was lost or stolen
Online Application Process
First-time applicants who are 16 years old or older can apply for a smart ID online for free. However, there is an online application fee of R140 for individuals older than 16, those replacing their green ID booklets, or those replacing lost or stolen smart ID cards.
It’s important to note that walk-ins are not permitted for these services. Applicants must first complete an online application and then collect their documents at the chosen bank branch.
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