How much it will cost to replace your green ID book with a Smart ID before the new deadline

South Africans who still hold the green barcoded ID book face a limited window to switch to a Smart ID card, and for many the first practical question is: how much will it cost?

What the Department of Home Affairs charges

The Department of Home Affairs lists a standard application fee of R140 to replace an existing green ID book with a Smart ID card for most adult citizens. The department’s fee schedule also shows that first-time youth applicants and first-time applicants aged 60 and older are listed as free.

Deadline and timing

Home Affairs Deputy Director-General for Operations Thulani Mavuso has said green ID books will no longer be functional within the next two years. The department has not announced a precise cut-off date.

Using a bank to apply can add extra charges

Home Affairs has expanded a partnership with South African banks to allow eligible applicants to use participating branches instead of only DHA offices. The department said in August that 372 participating bank branches were offering Smart ID services.

Banks may levy their own service or convenience fees on top of the R140 Home Affairs charge. Examples in the department’s reporting include:

• Capitec: charges a total of R150 for its Smart ID service consisting of the R140 Home Affairs fee plus a R10 Capitec service fee.
• Standard Bank: has stated it is not currently charging a convenience fee for the service.

Other costs to budget for

The R140 is the government application fee and does not necessarily represent the total amount an applicant will spend. Travel to a Home Affairs office or a participating bank branch can add to the cost, especially for people who live far from service points.

In July the department said its network had grown to 327 participating bank branches alongside 214 modernised Home Affairs offices, and that it intends to expand the network further.

Bottom line

If you are replacing an existing green ID book, budget for at least R140 to cover the Home Affairs fee. Using a participating bank may add a convenience fee, and travel or other incidental costs could increase the total you pay. The department has warned the green ID book will stop being functional within two years, but it has not given a firm cut-off date.