Home Affairs Online Services: What You Can Do via eHomeAffairs
The Department of Home Affairs offers online services through the eHomeAffairs portal at www.ehomeaffairs.gov.za. This platform allows South African citizens to apply for Smart ID cards and passports online, then complete the process at a participating bank branch. This guide explains everything available on eHomeAffairs in 2026.
What Is eHomeAffairs?
eHomeAffairs is the official online portal of the Department of Home Affairs. It was introduced to reduce queues at Home Affairs offices by allowing citizens to complete the administrative parts of their applications online.
The portal is available at www.ehomeaffairs.gov.za and requires registration with a valid South African ID number. Applications submitted online are then completed at a participating bank branch where biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are captured.
Not all Home Affairs services are available online. Services such as late birth registration, citizenship applications, and immigration matters must be handled in person at a Home Affairs office.
Services Available on eHomeAffairs
- Smart ID card application (new, renewal, and replacement)
- South African passport application (new and renewal)
- Passport and Smart ID application status tracking
- Birth certificate application
- Marriage certificate application
- Payment for Home Affairs services
- Booking appointments at bank branches
Participating Banks
To use eHomeAffairs, you must be an account holder at one of the four participating South African banks. Biometrics are captured at dedicated Home Affairs service points within these bank branches.
| Bank | Services Available | How to Book |
|---|---|---|
| ABSA | Smart ID, Passport | Via eHomeAffairs portal or ABSA app |
| FNB (First National Bank) | Smart ID, Passport | Via eHomeAffairs portal or FNB app |
| Nedbank | Smart ID, Passport | Via eHomeAffairs portal or Nedbank app |
| Standard Bank | Smart ID, Passport | Via eHomeAffairs portal or Standard Bank app |
How to Register and Use eHomeAffairs
- Visit www.ehomeaffairs.gov.za
- Click "Register" and enter your 13-digit South African ID number
- Create a username and password
- Verify your email address
- Log in and select the service you require (Smart ID or Passport)
- Complete the online application form
- Book an appointment at a participating bank branch
- Attend your appointment with original identity documents
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are captured at the bank
- Pay the applicable fee at the bank
- Track your application status via the portal
Benefits of Using eHomeAffairs
- Shorter waiting times compared to walk-in Home Affairs queues
- Applications can be started any time from any device
- Bank branches often have dedicated, comfortable Home Affairs service points
- Payment is made electronically at the bank, no cash required
- Real-time status tracking via the portal
- Available at multiple bank branches across South Africa
Do not use unofficial third-party websites claiming to offer Home Affairs online services. The official portal is www.ehomeaffairs.gov.za only. Third-party sites may be fraudulent.
Limitations and Requirements
- You must have an active bank account with ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, or Standard Bank
- You must still visit a bank branch in person for biometric capture
- Not all bank branches offer eHomeAffairs services; check the branch finder on the portal
- Not all Home Affairs services are available online
- An active South African email address and cellphone number are required for registration