Requirements for ID Application

The requirements for an ID application in South Africa are simple: you must be a South African citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 16 years old, and able to prove who you are with a birth certificate (first ID) or your existing ID (replacement). A first smart ID card is free; a re-issue or a green-ID-book replacement costs R140. Your photo and fingerprints are captured in person.

IDs are issued only by the Department of Home Affairs under the Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997). What you bring and where you go depends on whether this is your first ID, a replacement of a lost or damaged card, or a switch from the green bar-coded ID book to a smart ID card.

Business Requirements at a Glance

Although this page sits in our business and compliance section, an ID is a personal document, and every business registration, bank account and licence application later relies on it. The core ID application requirements are:

Age: 16 years or older.
Status: South African citizen (by birth, descent or naturalisation) or lawful permanent resident.
Proof of identity: birth certificate for a first ID; green bar-coded ID book (or an affidavit if it is lost) for a replacement.
Biometrics: photo and fingerprints taken at a Home Affairs office or participating bank branch.
Fee: free for a first smart ID for youth aged 16 and over and for pensioners aged 60 and over; R140 for other citizens and for re-issues.

Registration and Legal Requirements

An ID can only be issued to someone recorded on the National Population Register. For most South Africans this happens when their birth is registered, which is why the birth certificate is the key document for a first application.

Who can get a South African ID

South African citizens aged 16 and over.
Naturalised citizens and lawful permanent residents. Since May 2025 they can apply for the smart ID card, not only the green ID book, including through eHomeAffairs and bank branches.
Visitors, tourists and people on temporary visas or permits cannot get a South African ID. Your passport and visa or permit remain your identity documents while you are in the country.

If your birth was never registered

You cannot apply for an ID until your birth is registered. Late registration of birth is a separate Home Affairs process with its own requirements, so start there and confirm the steps at your nearest Department of Home Affairs office.

Documents and Ownership Information Required

The documents below are taken from the Home Affairs smart ID requirements brochure. Bring originals; Home Affairs may ask for certified copies of supporting documents.

First smart ID (16 years and older)

Your birth certificate.
A certified copy of the ID of one parent, legal guardian or informant. A parent or guardian should accompany you.
A death certificate, or certified copy, if your parents have died.
Proof of residence where you have it, or your residential address.

Pensioners (60+) and other citizens replacing a green ID book

Your green bar-coded ID book, or an affidavit if it has been lost.
Proof of residence where you have it, or your residential address.
A marriage certificate if you are married, or a divorce decree if you are divorced, so your marital status can be verified.

Naturalised citizens and permanent residents

Your naturalisation certificate or permanent residence permit (or exemption certificate), with copies.
Your existing green ID book if you have one.
If you cannot produce your permanent residence permit or exemption certificate, form BI-829 is completed to apply for a duplicate first.

Offices with the live-capture system take your photo on site, so you do not need to bring ID photos for a smart ID card. The main application form is the BI-9, completed at the office.

Tax, Licence and Compliance Requirements

There is no tax or licensing step for an ID. The compliance points that matter are fees and keeping your record accurate.

First smart ID card: free for youth aged 16 and over and for pensioners aged 60 and over.
Other citizens (first smart card replacing a green ID book): R140.
Re-issue of a lost, stolen or damaged smart ID: R140 at Home Affairs. Banks may add their own convenience fee.
Temporary Identity Certificate: R70, with two ID photos. Use it while you wait for your card if you need ID urgently.
Errors made by Home Affairs in your personal details are corrected and the ID replaced free of charge.

You may also re-apply if you marry and want to take your spouse’s surname, or if you are a woman who wants to resume a previous surname.

Process, Deadlines and Ongoing Obligations

First ID application: Home Affairs office only

A first ID application must be made in person at a Home Affairs office with live-capture facilities. Bank branches do not process first-time applications, and children cannot apply at a bank.

Go to a Home Affairs office with live capture, with your birth certificate and your parent or guardian.
Complete the application and have your fingerprints and photo taken.
Pay nothing if it is your first smart ID.
Collect the card in person at the same office when you are notified that it is ready.

Bank ID application: re-issues and green book replacements

Capitec, Standard Bank, FNB and Absa offer smart ID services at selected branches. These handle smart ID re-issues (lost, stolen or damaged cards) and green-ID-book-to-smart-card replacements for citizens, naturalised citizens and permanent residents. Some banks accept walk-ins; others need a booking. Check the DHA bank branch page and your bank’s website for branches and booking.

Apply on eHomeAffairs (or go to the bank directly where walk-ins are allowed).
Pay the R140 Home Affairs fee, plus any bank fee.
Attend the branch for biometrics.
Collect your card at the same branch when the bank notifies you.

Checking your application status

Home Affairs sends SMS updates on your application, and you can ask the office or bank branch where you applied for the status. Home Affairs does not guarantee a turnaround time for every case, so do not book travel or exams that depend on your card before it is in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for an ID document application?

For a first ID: your birth certificate, a certified copy of a parent or guardian’s ID, a death certificate if your parents have died, and proof of residence or your address. For a replacement: your green ID book or an affidavit if it is lost, plus your marriage certificate or divorce decree if applicable.

What documents are required for a first ID and adult passport application in South Africa?

Apply for your ID first. The documents above cover the ID. A passport is a separate application with its own form, fee and biometrics. Ask the Department of Home Affairs what to bring before you apply, especially if your details or status have changed.

Is a first ID application free?

Yes. The first smart ID card is free for youth aged 16 and over and pensioners aged 60 and over. Other citizens pay R140, and every re-issue costs R140.

Can I apply for my first ID at a bank?

No. Bank branches only handle smart ID re-issues and green ID book replacements. First-time applications must be made at a Home Affairs office.

Can a visitor get a South African ID?

No. Only citizens and lawful permanent residents qualify. Visitors and temporary residents use their passport and visa or permit.

What if I need ID while my card is being made?

Apply for a Temporary Identity Certificate at Home Affairs. It costs R70 and you need two ID photos.

Fees, bank participation and document rules change. Confirm your case with the Department of Home Affairs before you apply.