The smart ID card requirements in South Africa depend on whether this is your first ID or a replacement. A first-time applicant must be 16 or older and bring a birth certificate and a parent; someone converting from the green bar-coded ID book needs the old book (or an affidavit if it is lost) and pays R140, unless they are 60 or older, when the conversion is free. Everyone must apply in person so Home Affairs can capture biometrics.
The South African smart ID card is the card version of the identity document issued under the Identification Act 68 of 1997. Home Affairs says smart ID cards can only be applied for at modernised offices, which include banks, Home Affairs offices in malls and mobile offices. The eHomeAffairs portal is the official online channel, but it cannot replace the in-person visit.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
- Age: 16 years or older. Home Affairs issues identity documents to South African citizens and permanent residence permit holders from 16.
- Citizens: eligible for a first smart ID card, a conversion from the green ID book, or a re-issue of a lost, stolen or damaged card.
- Naturalised citizens and permanent residents: Home Affairs is rolling out smart ID cards in phases. Phase 1 replaces green ID books for people from the listed countries; permanent residents must have been born in one of the 106 visa-exempt countries. Phase 2 is still being planned and will cover excluded groups, including first-time applicants.
- Record check: naturalised citizens and permanent residents are verified against the National Population Register.
- In person: nobody can apply on your behalf, because your biometrics must be captured.
Documents and Supporting Evidence Required
What documents you need for a smart ID card depends on your application type. These are the lists Home Affairs publishes:
First smart ID card (turning 16)
- certified copy of your birth certificate;
- a parent (one is enough) or, if both parents have died, a legal guardian or informant, who must come with you;
- certified copy of that parent’s, guardian’s or informant’s ID;
- certified copies of the death certificate and the deceased parent’s ID, where a parent has died.
Replacing a green ID book or an existing smart ID card
- a copy of your green bar-coded ID book, or of your old, lost or damaged smart ID card; if it is lost, an affidavit is required instead;
- your marriage certificate if your marital status changed, or your divorce decree if you are divorced.
At participating bank branches, Home Affairs says you do not need to bring any documents. Home Affairs does not state the photograph rules for smart ID applications on its identity documents page, so confirm on the Home Affairs identity documents page or with the office before you go.
Application Requirements and Steps
To apply for a smart ID card, or to change a green ID book to a smart card, work through these steps:
- Check where you can apply. Smart ID cards are issued at modernised offices: banks, Home Affairs offices in malls and mobile offices. First-time IDs, children, name changes and amendments are not available at banks.
- Start online if you wish. Home Affairs links “Apply online – Passport & Smart ID” to eHomeAffairs. Follow the instructions the portal gives. At Capitec and Standard Bank participating branches you can walk in without an appointment.
- Attend in person. Your biometrics are captured at the office or branch.
- Choose your collection office before the transaction is closed. Bank applications are collected at the branch where you applied.
- Wait for the SMS. Home Affairs uses the cellphone number you gave during the application to send you updates.
Costs, Processing Times and Key Conditions
- First smart ID card: free.
- Citizens aged 60 and over converting from the green ID book: free.
- Re-issue: R140, according to the Home Affairs fees page (updated August 2026).
- Bank branches: Home Affairs charges R140; banks may charge a convenience fee on top.
- Temporary Identity Certificate: R70, valid for two months, subject to positive fingerprint verification.
Home Affairs does not publish a turnaround time for smart ID cards. The bank service itself takes about 15 minutes, according to Home Affairs. If a card contains errors, confirm with Home Affairs whether a replacement is free.
Where and How to Apply
Home Affairs offices: only modernised offices issue smart ID cards. Home Affairs publishes the list of offices through its identity documents page.
Smart ID card at banks: Home Affairs names Capitec Bank and Standard Bank as allowing walk-ins without an appointment at participating branches. They handle green ID book conversions and smart ID re-issues. Not every branch takes part, so check the Home Affairs bank partnership page before you go. Check with Home Affairs whether other banks take part.
Online: eHomeAffairs is the official portal. Biometrics must still be captured in person.
Naturalised citizens and permanent residents: Home Affairs says they can apply at all Live Capture Offices and bank branches, and through eHomeAffairs. See the Home Affairs page for naturalised citizens and permanent residents for the current phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a smart ID card?
A re-issue or conversion costs R140. A first ID is free, and a conversion from the green ID book is free for people aged 60 and over. Banks may add a convenience fee. A Temporary Identity Certificate costs R70.
How do I apply for a smart ID card online?
Home Affairs links its online smart ID application to eHomeAffairs. Biometrics must still be captured in person at a smart ID office or participating bank, so you cannot complete the whole process online.
How do I change my green ID book to a smart card?
Take your green ID book (or an affidavit if it is lost) to a smart ID office or a participating Capitec or Standard Bank branch. The fee is R140, or free if you are 60 or older. You must attend in person.
Can I get a smart ID card at a bank?
Yes, at participating Capitec Bank and Standard Bank branches, where walk-ins are allowed. Banks cannot handle first-time IDs, children, name changes or amendments.
Can permanent residents get a smart ID card?
In phases. Phase 1 covers permanent residents born in one of the 106 visa-exempt countries who are replacing a green ID book. Phase 2, which will include excluded groups such as first-time applicants, is still in planning.
Can I apply for a South African smart ID card from abroad, for example from Germany or Canada?
No. South African missions abroad do not facilitate smart ID card applications; smart ID cards are issued and replaced only in South Africa. This is stated by the High Commission in London and the Embassy in Berne. We did not check the German or Canadian missions individually, so confirm with your nearest mission.
Can I exchange my ID book for a smart card in London or Dublin?
Not in London: the High Commission says smart ID cards are only issued or replaced in South Africa. Ask the Embassy in Dublin directly, including whether it captures biometrics for smart ID cards. Note that if you have been issued with or applied for a smart ID card, you cannot apply for an ID book at a mission.
Is the green ID book still valid?
Home Affairs still lists applying for an ID book at offices that do not offer smart ID cards. Check the Home Affairs site for any announced cut-off date.
What if my smart ID card is lost or stolen?
Apply for a re-issue with an affidavit in place of the old card, and pay the R140 fee, at a smart ID office or participating bank branch.
Fees, eligible groups and participating branches change, so confirm them with the Department of Home Affairs before you go. See government application requirements for other applications, and browse all government service requirements.