If your South African ID has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement through the Department of Home Affairs. You should first confirm the replacement channel available to you, prepare any supporting proof required for that channel, and pay the applicable re-issue fee. If you urgently need proof of identity while waiting, you may also be able to apply for a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC).
Government guidance confirms that an ID may be re-issued when it has been lost, stolen or damaged. Home Affairs is also continuing the move from green barcoded ID books to Smart ID cards.
For broader information about official documents, see Civic Documents South Africa.
Quick Answer: Lost ID Requirements South Africa
For a lost ID replacement in South Africa, you will generally need to:
- confirm that you are applying for a replacement rather than a first ID;
- report the loss or theft where required;
- confirm which supporting documents your Home Affairs office or replacement channel requires;
- complete identity and biometric verification;
- pay the replacement fee;
- submit the application through an available Home Affairs or participating Smart ID replacement channel; and
- keep your application details so that you can follow up on collection.
Government guidance currently lists R140 for the re-issue of a lost, stolen or damaged ID. A Temporary Identification Certificate is currently listed at R70. Requirements and application channels can change, so confirm the current process before travelling to an office or bank branch.
If you previously held a green ID book and want to understand the Smart ID process, see Smart ID Requirements South Africa.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for someone who has already been issued a South African identity document and now needs a replacement because it has been lost or stolen.
Applicant type
South African identity documents are generally issued to South African citizens and qualifying permanent residents aged 16 or older. Replacement requirements may differ depending on your status and the information Home Affairs already has on its records.
You may need additional evidence if, for example:
- you are a permanent resident;
- you are a naturalised South African citizen;
- your personal particulars have changed;
- your surname or marital status has changed;
- Home Affairs needs to verify information on the National Population Register; or
- your identity record has another issue that must be resolved before a replacement can be issued.
A lost-ID replacement is different from applying for an identity document for the first time. First-time applicants should use the First ID Requirements South Africa guide instead.
Eligibility Requirements
You would normally use the replacement process if you previously had an ID book or Smart ID card and that document is now lost, stolen or damaged. The South African Government specifically lists these circumstances as reasons for having an ID re-issued.
Your identity must still be verifiable against Home Affairs records. Depending on your circumstances, this can involve checking your ID number, personal information and biometrics.
Do not assume that another person’s document checklist will automatically apply to you. Permanent residents, naturalised citizens and people whose personal information has changed may be asked for additional supporting evidence.
If your issue is not simply a lost document—for example, your ID number is blocked or your personal information is incorrect—the process may involve additional verification rather than a standard lost-ID replacement.
Documents You May Need
The exact lost ID replacement requirements can depend on where and how you apply.
Required proof
Before applying, prepare the information and documents most likely to be relevant:
- your South African ID number, if known;
- an affidavit or police report relating to the loss where required;
- supporting proof requested to confirm your identity or status;
- proof relating to a change in personal details, if applicable;
- your residential address or proof of residence if requested; and
- the applicable replacement fee.
Earlier official Smart ID guidance states that a lost Smart ID should be reported to the police before reapplication. Home Affairs guidance has also referred to an affidavit where an existing ID has been lost. Because replacement channels are becoming more digital, confirm whether these documents are still required for the specific route you intend to use.
If you apply at an enabled live-capture location, your photograph and biometric information may be captured electronically rather than relying on printed photographs.
Different rules apply if you need a Temporary Identification Certificate. The national government service page currently lists your ID number for verification and two ID photographs for a TIC.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
- Confirm that you need a replacement.
Use the lost or stolen ID replacement process if an ID was previously issued to you and you no longer have it. - Report the loss where appropriate.
If the ID was stolen, or if the replacement route requires proof of the loss, report the matter and keep the relevant affidavit or police details. - Check your application channel.
Home Affairs offices remain a core application route. Some offices use appointment systems, and participating bank branches can also provide Smart ID services. The government maintains a current list of banks offering Smart ID services. - Prepare supporting information.
Take the documents required for your applicant type and any evidence needed to explain changes to your personal details. - Complete identity verification.
Home Affairs may verify your personal and biometric information before processing the replacement. - Pay the applicable fee.
Confirm the current tariff and accepted payment method for your chosen application channel. - Keep your application or collection details.
Follow the official status or collection instructions provided when you apply.
Home Affairs expanded Smart ID replacement through participating bank branches during 2026. At enabled branches, the newer process uses biometric verification and has been designed to reduce paperwork and the need for prior bookings. Availability depends on the participating bank and branch, so check the current list before travelling.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Government guidance currently lists these costs:
| Item | Current published fee |
|---|---|
| Replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged ID/Smart ID | R140 |
| Temporary Identification Certificate | R70 |
Confirm the fee before applying because government tariffs can change.
There is no single turnaround time that should be treated as guaranteed for every lost ID replacement. Processing can depend on identity verification, the application channel, system availability and whether Home Affairs needs additional supporting information.
Do not make plans that depend on receiving the replacement on a specific date unless Home Affairs has confirmed the collection status.
If you urgently need temporary proof of identity, check whether a TIC is suitable for your purpose. See Temporary ID Certificate Requirements for the separate requirements.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
One of the most common problems is arriving with requirements found on an old checklist without checking whether the selected Home Affairs office or bank branch uses a newer process.
Other avoidable problems include:
- applying through the wrong route;
- not knowing your ID number;
- failing to bring supporting evidence when personal details need verification;
- assuming every bank branch provides Smart ID replacement services;
- confusing a first ID application with an ID replacement;
- expecting a TIC and permanent replacement ID to have the same requirements; and
- relying on an old fee or turnaround time.
If your ID was stolen, do not delay taking reasonable steps to report the loss. A missing identity document can create additional problems if it is misused.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Always confirm change-sensitive lost ID requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
The South African Government’s identity-document service information confirms that lost, stolen and damaged IDs can be re-issued and provides links to Home Affairs’ booking system and current participating-bank information.
Requirements.co.za is an independent information guide and is not the Department of Home Affairs. Official Home Affairs instructions should take priority where application forms, fees, supporting documents, branch availability or procedures have changed.
Related guide
For other identity-document requirements, use the Identity Documents Requirements South Africa hub.
Start with the required documents, confirm the official process for your application channel, and only then travel to the relevant office or participating branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for Lost ID Requirements South Africa?
If your South African ID was lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement. You will need to confirm your identity, follow the replacement process for your chosen Home Affairs channel, provide any supporting evidence requested and pay the applicable re-issue fee.
What documents are needed for Lost ID Requirements South Africa?
Depending on the application route, you may need your ID number, proof relating to the loss, supporting identity or status documents and evidence of any changed personal particulars. Because newer Smart ID replacement channels can use biometric verification, confirm the exact document checklist before applying.
How long does it take for Lost ID Requirements South Africa?
There is no safe universal turnaround time to rely on. Processing depends on the application channel and whether additional identity verification is required. Follow the official status or collection instructions provided with your application rather than assuming a fixed collection date.
Where can I confirm the latest official requirements for Lost ID Requirements South Africa?
Confirm the latest requirements with the Department of Home Affairs. Check the official application information, appointment system and participating-bank list before travelling, particularly because Smart ID replacement channels continue to change.
Which documents should I prepare for Lost ID Requirements South Africa?
Start with your ID number and any available information relating to your previous ID. Be prepared to provide proof of the loss or theft where required and any supporting documents needed to verify your citizenship, permanent residence status or personal details. If you need temporary proof of identity while waiting, separately check the requirements for a Temporary Identification Certificate.