Business

Standard Bank Joins Smart ID Rollout: What This Means for SA Customers

Published

2 months ago

August 13, 2025

Chiraag

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A big step in cutting queues and bringing services closer

For years, South Africans have associated Home Affairs with long queues, wasted mornings, and unpredictable system downtime. That may be about to change. Standard Bank has officially joined FNB and Capitec in the Department of Home Affairs’ next major rollout of Smart ID and passport services.

The move is part of a fresh digital partnership model that aims to expand Home Affairs’ reach to hundreds of bank branches across the country, making it easier for customers to apply for IDs or passports in places they already frequent.

A digital upgrade worth noting

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the shift as a major leap forward from the old setup, which was limited to about 30 branches and relied on a clunky verification system that often failed.

The new “live capture” technology integrates directly with the banks’ systems, allowing staff to verify customer details instantly and securely. This integration will also make it possible to book appointments and track applications through banking apps in the future.

By the end of this year, the department hopes to have 100 branches offering the service. By 2028/29, the goal is an ambitious 1,000 branches nationwide.

Standard Bank’s commitment

While the bank hasn’t yet published its full branch list, Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking CEO Funeka Montjane called the partnership “forward-thinking” and said it will save clients time while improving access to essential services.

Capitec is already gearing up for its part in the rollout, starting with 10 branches in October and expanding to 100 branches by early 2026. FNB has also indicated that it will expand beyond its initial locations, with a focus on underserved and rural areas.

How the process will work

From October, Capitec customers will get a glimpse of the new process in action, and Standard Bank clients can expect a similar experience when its branches go live:

Photo capture: If Home Affairs doesn’t have a recent ID photo, clients can take one on-site at a Smart ID terminal.
Biometric verification: Clients input their ID number, have their photo taken, and are verified against the Home Affairs database instantly.
Collection: IDs are ready for collection at the same branch within weeks.

Future upgrades will include home delivery of Smart IDs and passports, as well as full-service integration into banking apps.

Why it matters

Schreiber framed the rollout as more than just a tech upgrade: “It is inspiring to see us all pull together to include every single citizen in providing access to these vital services, no matter who they are or where they live.”

For South Africans, it means fewer hours lost in queues, less travel to distant Home Affairs offices, and a better chance that essential documents are delivered quickly and securely.

It’s a rare example of government and big banks working hand-in-hand for everyday convenience, and if the targets are met, it could reshape how we access public services altogether.