A Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) is an official Department of Home Affairs document used when you need temporary proof of identity while your permanent South African ID is unavailable or still being processed. Current government guidance lists an ID number for verification and two ID photos among the requirements, and states that a TIC costs R70. Fingerprint verification may also be required.
If your ID has been lost, stolen or damaged, or you are waiting for an ID application to be completed, start by confirming whether a TIC is appropriate for your situation and whether the organisation asking for identification will accept it. For broader guidance, see Civic Documents South Africa and Identity Documents Requirements South Africa.
Quick Answer: Temporary ID Certificate Requirements
Before going to Home Affairs for a Temporary Identity Certificate, you should generally be ready to:
- provide your South African ID number for verification;
- take two suitable ID photographs;
- have your identity and fingerprints verified where required;
- pay the applicable TIC fee;
- explain or confirm why you require temporary proof of identity; and
- check whether you also need to apply for, replace or collect your permanent ID.
The South African Government’s current ID service information lists the TIC fee as R70 and specifies an ID number for verification and two ID photos.
A TIC is not a replacement for completing the permanent ID process. If your ID was lost, stolen or damaged, you may also need to arrange a replacement. See the Lost ID Requirements South Africa guide for that process.
Who This Requirement Applies To
A Temporary Identity Certificate is mainly relevant when you already have a South African identity record but do not currently have access to a usable permanent ID document.
Applicant type
You may need to ask Home Affairs about a TIC if:
- your ID has been lost, stolen or damaged;
- you are waiting for an ID application or replacement to be completed;
- you urgently need acceptable proof of identity before your permanent ID is available; or
- you need valid identification for voting and your permanent ID will not be ready in time.
The national government service page specifically confirms that a person whose ID application will not be completed in time to vote can apply for a TIC. Western Cape Government guidance also states that a TIC may be requested when an ID is lost, damaged or stolen and that the process is subject to fingerprint verification.
If you are applying for your first permanent ID rather than dealing with a missing or delayed existing document, use the First ID Requirements South Africa guide to check the correct requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
The key issue is whether Home Affairs can verify your identity against its records and whether a Temporary Identity Certificate is available for your circumstances.
Required proof
Current official guidance indicates that you must provide your ID number for verification. Home Affairs may also verify your fingerprints before issuing the certificate.
Having an ID number does not automatically guarantee that a TIC will be issued. Cases involving identity-record discrepancies, blocked ID numbers, citizenship or status verification, or other unresolved records may require additional checks before Home Affairs can complete the process.
If you need a standard Smart ID rather than temporary proof of identity, check the Smart ID Requirements South Africaguide instead.
Documents You May Need
Prepare the documents and information Home Affairs is most likely to require before you visit.
Confirmed TIC requirements
Current South African Government guidance lists:
- Your ID number for verification.
- Two ID photos.
- Payment of the applicable TIC fee.
The TIC process may also involve fingerprint verification.
Conditional supporting documents
Depending on why your ID is unavailable and the status of your permanent ID application, Home Affairs may ask for additional evidence or may need to resolve another ID-related process at the same time.
For example, requirements can differ where:
- your ID was lost or stolen;
- your ID was damaged;
- your personal details have changed;
- there is a problem with your identity record; or
- you have not yet completed the appropriate permanent ID application.
Do not assume that the supporting documents for a replacement Smart ID, first ID or another Home Affairs service are automatically the same as the documents required for a TIC.
Common mistake
Smart ID offices can capture photographs digitally for some ID applications, but official provincial guidance specifically notes that colour photographs are still required for temporary IDs. Take the required physical ID photos unless Home Affairs confirms otherwise for the office you will use.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
1. Confirm that you need a TIC
First establish whether temporary proof of identity will solve your immediate problem. If another organisation requires identification for an exam, financial transaction, employment process or another service, confirm that it will accept a valid TIC before relying on it.
2. Check your permanent ID status
If your permanent ID is lost, stolen, damaged or still being processed, determine whether you also need to submit a replacement or other ID application.
A TIC should be treated as a temporary measure, not as a substitute for resolving the permanent ID issue.
3. Prepare your ID number and photos
Have your ID number available for verification and obtain two ID photographs that meet the requirements used by Home Affairs for temporary IDs.
4. Use the correct Home Affairs channel
Official guidance for TICs points applicants to the Department of Home Affairs. Provincial government guidance states that a TIC for a lost, damaged or stolen ID can be requested at a Home Affairs office.
Do not assume that every bank branch offering Smart ID services can issue a Temporary Identity Certificate. Home Affairs has been expanding Smart ID services through participating banks in 2026, but you should confirm the available service before travelling to a particular location.
5. Complete verification and pay the fee
Home Affairs must be able to verify your identity. Fingerprint verification may form part of this process. Pay the prescribed fee and keep any receipt or documentation given to you.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
How much does a Temporary ID Certificate cost?
The current South African Government ID service page lists the Temporary Identity Certificate fee as R70. Two ID photos are also required, and the cost of obtaining those photographs is separate.
Because government tariffs can change, confirm the amount with Home Affairs before applying, especially if you are reading this guide at a later date.
How long does a Temporary ID Certificate take?
Do not plan around an assumed same-day or guaranteed turnaround time. The time required can depend on successful identity and fingerprint verification, the status of your Home Affairs record, branch capacity and whether another issue needs to be resolved.
If you have a deadline, apply as early as practical.
How long is a TIC valid?
A TIC is a short-term identity document. The Electoral Commission requires a valid Temporary Identity Certificate when it is used for voter identification.
Older official Electoral Commission guidance described TICs as valid for two months, but because current validity information should be checked against the certificate and latest Home Affairs rules, use the expiry details on the TIC issued to you rather than assuming a validity period.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Avoid these common problems when preparing for a TIC application:
- Arriving without physical ID photos. Temporary ID applications may still require photographs even where other ID services use digital photo capture.
- Not knowing your ID number. Current official guidance specifically lists the ID number as necessary for verification.
- Assuming a TIC solves the permanent ID problem. You may still need to apply for or replace your permanent ID.
- Using outdated fee information. Check the current tariff before visiting Home Affairs.
- Assuming every Home Affairs service point offers the same services. Confirm that the office you intend to visit can handle your application.
- Assuming every organisation will accept a TIC. Ask the organisation requiring identification what documents it accepts.
- Waiting until the day of an important deadline. Identity or fingerprint verification problems can cause delays.
If the reason you need temporary identification is that your permanent ID has gone missing, review the Lost ID Requirements South Africa guide as well.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Temporary ID Certificate requirements should always be checked with the South African Department of Home Affairsbefore you apply.
The national government ID service page currently confirms the R70 fee, ID-number verification and two-photo requirement. Official provincial guidance also confirms that lost, damaged or stolen-ID cases may involve a TIC and fingerprint verification.
Requirements.co.za is an independent information resource and is not the Department of Home Affairs. Government fees, application channels, branch services and supporting-document requirements can change.
Start with the required documents, then confirm the official process before visiting Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a Temporary ID Certificate?
Current government guidance lists your ID number for verification and two ID photos, with a current TIC fee of R70. Fingerprint verification may also be required. Your circumstances may determine whether Home Affairs needs additional information.
What documents are needed for a Temporary ID Certificate?
At minimum, current official guidance tells applicants to have their ID number and two ID photos. If your permanent ID is lost, stolen, damaged or affected by another Home Affairs issue, additional requirements may apply.
How long does it take to get a Temporary ID Certificate?
There is no safe universal processing time to rely on. Timing can depend on successful identity and fingerprint verification and conditions at the Home Affairs office. Apply before your deadline rather than assuming immediate issue.
Where can I confirm the latest official Temporary ID Certificate requirements?
Confirm them directly with the Department of Home Affairs or the South African Government’s official identity-document service information. Requirements can change, particularly fees, branch services and supporting-document requirements.
Which documents should I prepare for a Temporary ID Certificate?
Prepare your ID number and two physical ID photographs first. Also take any documents relevant to the reason your permanent ID is unavailable if Home Affairs has instructed you to provide them. If you are replacing a permanent ID, check the separate replacement requirements before travelling to the branch.