Identity Documents Requirements

This section is the main route chooser for South African identity-document pages. If you are applying for your first ID, replacing a lost green book, moving into the smart ID system, or checking what documents to bring, start here.

Home Affairs says you may apply for an identity document from age 16. It also notes that the green ID book is being replaced by the smart ID card over time, and that some applications can be supported through online booking or participating bank branches.

Key requirements for Identity Documents

Who this section is for

This section is for:

first-time applicants who are 16 years or older
people replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged ID
applicants moving from the green ID book to the smart ID card
married or divorced applicants whose surname or status needs to align with Home Affairs records
users who need a simple route into the correct ID page before booking

Core requirement pages

Use the child page that matches your situation:

Documents, fees, and processing times for Identity Documents

For first-time smart ID issuance to youth aged 16 and older, the DHA requirements brochure lists a birth certificate, a certified copy of one parent, legal guardian, or informant’s identity document, a death certificate or certified copy if parents are deceased, and proof of residence where available. That first issue is shown as free of charge.

For pensioners aged 60 and above applying for first-time smart ID issuance, the brochure lists a green bar-coded identity document or affidavit if it is lost, proof of residence where available, and marriage or divorce documents where status verification is needed. That first issue is also shown as free of charge.

For other citizens moving into the smart ID route, the brochure lists the green bar-coded ID document or an affidavit if lost, proof of residence where available, and marriage or divorce documents where relevant. The brochure shows a fee of R140 for that route. Gov.za also notes that a temporary identity certificate costs R70 if you need interim proof of identity in specific circumstances.

How to apply for Identity Documents

A practical application flow looks like this:

Confirm whether you are applying for a first ID, a reissue, a smart ID migration, or a correction.
Check the child page for your exact supporting documents.
Book an appointment where the DHA booking system applies.
Check whether a participating bank branch is available for your application type.
Attend with originals, complete biometrics, and keep your collection details safe.

Some users can start online or use a bank branch route, but that does not remove the need to align your supporting documents with the correct ID scenario.

Special cases and related pages for Identity Documents

Identity-document journeys often split into:

first-time ID applications
replacement or reissue cases
document checklists
smart ID supporting-document pages
detail corrections

If your ID details are wrong, or your marital status has changed, use the correction or reissue pages rather than a general first-time guide. That keeps your page choice aligned to the real task.

FAQs about Identity Documents

At what age can I apply for an ID?

Gov.za says you may apply for an identity document if you are 16 years and older.

Is the first smart ID free?

The DHA smart ID requirements brochure shows first-time issuance for youth aged 16+ and for pensioners aged 60+ as free. Other smart ID routes may carry a fee.

Can I use a bank branch?

Home Affairs says some bank branches issue smart IDs, but availability depends on the participating bank network and the type of application.

Best next step

Go to Smart ID Card Requirements in South Africa or First-time ID Application Requirements in South Africa.