Smart ID Card Requirements: Documents You Need
Applying for a Smart ID card requires you to visit a Home Affairs office or use the eHomeAffairs portal at a participating bank. Before you go, gather all the required documents to avoid delays. This guide covers everything you need for a first-time application or a replacement Smart ID.
Citizens aged 16 and 17 may apply with parental or guardian consent. The application process is the same, but a parent or guardian must be present.
Who Qualifies for a Smart ID Card
South African citizens aged 16 and older are eligible to apply for a Smart ID card. The Smart ID card replaces the green barcoded ID book and is now the standard form of national identification.
Permanent residents are not eligible for a Smart ID card. Only South African citizens by birth, naturalisation, or descent qualify.
Fingerprints and a photograph are captured digitally at the Home Affairs office. You do not need to bring photographs if applying via eHomeAffairs at a bank.
Documents Required for First-Time Smart ID Applicants
If you have never had a green barcoded ID book or Smart ID card before, you are considered a first-time applicant. Bring the following documents to your Home Affairs appointment.
- Original unabridged birth certificate (issued by Home Affairs)
- Original green barcoded ID book (if you have one)
- Two black-and-white ID photographs (35mm x 45mm)
- Completed BI-9 application form (available at Home Affairs offices)
- Proof of citizenship if born outside South Africa (e.g., citizenship certificate)
Applying for a replacement Smart ID when the original has been stolen requires a police case number. Obtain this from your nearest police station before visiting Home Affairs.
Documents Required for Smart ID Replacement
If your Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired, you need to apply for a replacement. The fee for a replacement is R140.
- Completed BI-9 application form
- Affidavit if the ID was lost or stolen (obtainable at a police station)
- Police case number if the ID was stolen
- Original damaged ID card or book (if damaged)
- Proof of South African citizenship (birth certificate or previous ID documents)
Smart ID Application Fees
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| First-time Smart ID (16-year-olds) | Free |
| First-time Smart ID (over 16 with green ID book) | R140 |
| Replacement Smart ID (lost/stolen/damaged) | R140 |
| Smart ID for persons over 60 | Free |
| Smart ID for persons with disabilities | Free |
Applying via eHomeAffairs
The eHomeAffairs portal at www.ehomeaffairs.gov.za allows you to complete your Smart ID application online and then visit a participating bank to submit biometrics. This process is faster than visiting a Home Affairs office directly.
Participating banks include ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, and Standard Bank. You must have an active account with one of these banks to use eHomeAffairs.
- Register on www.ehomeaffairs.gov.za using your South African ID number
- Complete the Smart ID application form online
- Book an appointment at a participating bank branch
- Visit the bank with your original documents for biometric capture
- Pay the applicable fee at the bank
- Collect your Smart ID card when notified
Keep your application receipt safe. You will need it when collecting your Smart ID card.
Processing Time
Smart ID cards typically take between 10 and 15 working days to be processed if applied for at a Home Affairs office. Applications submitted via eHomeAffairs at participating banks may be processed faster.
You will receive an SMS notification when your Smart ID card is ready for collection at the office or bank where you submitted your application.