Citizens can now apply for their Smart ID cards at participating bank branches, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.
Image: X / @Leon_Schreib
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has digitised Smart ID applications by partnering with local bank branches, allowing applicants to complete the process quickly.
Currently, the service is available at participating Capitec and Standard Bank branches, with the number set to increase from nine to 17 by week’s end.
FNB is nearing the end of its testing phase, and other banks in the Digital Partnership are at various stages of development.
The DHA officially launched its new Digital Partnership Model on Monday, promising to revolutionise the way South Africans access essential civic services. This forms part of the ongoing Home Affairs @ home initiative, reducing the need for citizens to travel long distances to one of 349 Home Affairs offices and stand in long queues.
“Today (Monday) signifies by far the biggest milestone to date on our reform drive to deliver Home Affairs @ home. By embracing digital transformation, we are redefining what public service delivery looks like in the modern age.
“The fact that we have already reached this milestone after just 20 months in office, means that we are on track to deliver on our goal to invert the principle of how government services work: iinstead of forcing people to go to Home Affairs and endure long queues and manual processes, we are leveraging technological security and efficiency to bring Home Affairs to the people, delivering access, inclusion and dignity for all,” said Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber.
Participating banks use a secure API-based Digital Gateway to connect directly to Home Affairs systems, allowing paperless applications to be completed within minutes through the bank’s own service environment.
Clients at the 17 launching branches can apply for a Smart ID in five to 10 minutes without an appointment. This service will be extended to all South African bank branches over the next year, rolling out in phases to ensure system stability.
The first phase, which went live, focuses on enabling South African citizens, including qualifying naturalised citizens and permanent residents who still hold the green ID book, to convert to the Smart ID card and reissue it for existing Smart ID holders.
Throughout 2026, as the system stabilises, the department will expand the Digital Partnership’s services to include first-time Smart ID and passport applications, courier delivery, and applications via banking apps, in addition to adding hundreds more bank branches.
The department and its banking partners will responsibly pilot the new system, beginning small, thoroughly testing, and stabilising it before expanding nationwide this year. This expansion aligns with the Medium-Term Development Plan's commitment to scale the Digital Partnership Model to 1,000 bank branches by 2029, thereby drastically improving access to services and ending long Home Affairs queues.
Capitec Group Chief Executive Officer Graham Lee said: “An ID is a catalyst for economic participation… By integrating Home Affairs services into our branches, we are using our scale and technology to shorten long journeys and help fill a real gap in underserved communities.”
Standard Bank Personal & Private Banking Chief Executive Officer Funeka Montjane said: “Access to secure identity document services is fundamental to economic participation. By working with the Department of Home Affairs, we are bringing these services closer to where people live and work, using infrastructure that communities already trust.”
FNB CEO Harry Kellan said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to going live with this expanded capability… Smart ID Cards are essential for accessing vital services, securing employment, and participating fully in the economy.
“With the DHA’s modernised technology, we can now reach millions more South Africans through our infrastructure, and that is what real help is all about.”
Replace your green ID book with a Smart ID, or get a reissue, at bank branches that launched on Monday and will open later this week.
Capitec
Live: Orange Farm, Eyethu Mall, Howick, Swellendam, Sandton City, Kathu Village Mall, Matoks, and Hermanus.
Friday: Jeffreys Bay, Fountains Mall, Pietermaritzburg, Tygervalley, Stellenbosch, Vredenburg, and Cape Town V&A.
Standard Bank
Live: Soweto, Maponya Mall, and Rosebank.
Thursday: Westgate Mall and Parow.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za