Several South African banks host Home Affairs services in selected branches, allowing customers to apply for smart ID cards and passports there rather than at a Home Affairs office. Availability differs by bank and by branch, and eligibility conditions apply.
The service is provided by Home Affairs within the branch rather than by the bank itself, so the requirements are Home Affairs requirements. What the bank determines is whether you can use the service and how you book.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Eligibility to use bank-hosted Home Affairs services generally depends on the following.
- South African citizenship
- Being a customer of the bank, where the bank restricts the service to its own customers
- Applying at a branch that actually hosts the service, which is a limited subset
- Booking an appointment through the bank online channel, where required
- Meeting the standard Home Affairs requirements for the document itself
- Payment of the prescribed Home Affairs fee, and any bank service fee where one applies
Documents and Supporting Evidence Required
The documents required are the Home Affairs requirements for the application.
- Your existing green bar-coded identity book, where you hold one
- Your birth certificate, for a first application
- A completed application form
- Proof of payment of the prescribed fee where applicable
- A police report and affidavit, where a previous document was lost or stolen
Application Requirements and Steps
Your photograph, fingerprints and signature are captured digitally in the branch, so no printed photographs are needed.
The application is processed by Home Affairs in the same way as one made at a departmental office. The advantage is the appointment system and the shorter queues rather than a different process.
Costs, Processing Times and Key Conditions
Turnaround through bank branches has generally been faster than through many Home Affairs offices, though this varies. You are notified when the document is ready for collection at the same branch.
Confirm whether your bank charges its own service fee in addition to the Home Affairs fee, since practice differs between banks.
Not every branch offers the service, and appointment availability at those that do can be limited. Book before travelling to a branch.
Where and How to Apply
Check your bank current list of participating branches and its booking process, since both change. Then confirm the Home Affairs document requirements separately.
Government services do not require payment to an agent or a facilitator. Anyone offering to guarantee approval or to speed up an application for a fee is defrauding you. Confirm current requirements, fees and processing times with the Department of Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a smart ID at a bank?
Several banks host Home Affairs services in selected branches. Availability differs by bank and branch, and eligibility conditions apply.
Do I have to be a customer of the bank?
Some banks restrict the service to their own customers. Confirm with the bank.
Is the process different from Home Affairs?
No. The application is processed by Home Affairs in the same way. The advantage is the appointment system and shorter queues.
Is there an extra fee?
Some banks charge their own service fee in addition to the Home Affairs fee. Confirm before booking.
Confirm participating branches and booking with your bank, and document requirements with the Department of Home Affairs. Browse all government service requirements.