Need your Smart ID before exams? Home Affairs has extended its operating hours

Learners and parents get extra time to apply for and collect Smart ID cards during the school holidays

If getting a Smart ID before exam registrations has been on your to-do list, there’s now a little more breathing room.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours at its offices during the school holidays to help learners and members of the public apply for and collect Smart ID cards.

The temporary change is aimed at easing pressure on Home Affairs branches while giving matric learners enough time to secure the documents they need before important school and examination deadlines.

Home Affairs offices will close later

Until 21 July 2026, participating Home Affairs offices will remain open until 6pm, instead of the usual 4pm.

The department says the additional two hours are expected to make it easier for learners, parents and working South Africans to visit branches after school or work without needing to take time off during the day.

The extended hours come during a busy period when many learners are applying for their first Smart ID cards ahead of final examinations, tertiary applications and other official processes that require valid identification.

Digital services continue to expand

According to Home Affairs spokesperson and Deputy Director-General for Operations Thulani Mavuso, the department is continuing to improve access to its services through both physical offices and digital platforms.

One of the biggest recent developments has been the expansion of Smart ID services through participating bank branches.

In June, the department announced that 203 bank branches are now offering Smart ID services through its digital partnership with the banking sector. Since the service launched on 9 March, more than 250,000 people have used participating branches to obtain replacement Smart ID cards.

The expansion forms part of government’s broader effort to modernise Home Affairs services and reduce waiting times at traditional offices.

Parents and learners welcome the move

The announcement has been welcomed by both learners and parents preparing for the busy exam season.

Matric learner Hope Khumalo said the longer operating hours provide reassurance that learners will have enough time to obtain their IDs before exam registration deadlines.

For parents, the change also offers greater flexibility.

Parent Bongiwe Sondo said the later closing time means families no longer have to choose between missing work or pulling children out of school early just to stand in long queues.

Instead, many will now be able to visit Home Affairs after the school day has ended.

Booking appointments is becoming easier

Alongside the extended hours, Home Affairs has also upgraded its MyHomeAffairsOnline booking system.

The updated platform includes additional security measures designed to prevent appointment slot abuse and make it easier for genuine applicants to secure bookings.

The improvements are intended to reduce frustration for users and improve access to services, particularly during peak demand periods.

Why getting your Smart ID matters

For many Grade 12 learners, having a Smart ID is about more than simply carrying identification.

A valid ID is often required for:

• Registering for final examinations where applicable
• Applying to universities and TVET colleges
• Applying for bursaries and student funding
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for a passport or driver’s licence
• Accessing many government and financial services

With exam preparations already underway, Home Affairs is encouraging eligible South Africans not to wait until the last minute. Making use of the extended operating hours or booking an appointment through MyHomeAffairsOnline could help avoid long queues and ensure important deadlines aren’t missed.

Source {IOL}

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