Home Affairs to Expand Smart ID and Passport Services to More SA Banks and Apps

South Africans may soon find it easier than ever to apply for or renew their Smart IDs and passports — not only at more bank branches but possibly through banking apps, too.

Since the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) launched its Smart ID and passport partnership with banks in 2016, services have only been available at a limited number of physical bank branches. But that’s about to change in a big way.

More Banks, More Locations

Currently, major banks including FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, and Investec offer DHA services at selected branches. However, new agreements between the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) and the DHA could soon expand that footprint dramatically.

While talks are still ongoing, the key sticking point is staffing. Under the current memorandum of understanding (MoU), the DHA seconds its staff to bank branches. The next step is to transform the MoU into a more formal agreement that allows banks to handle staffing themselves, freeing up DHA resources for other services.

“We remain available to the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, to resolve the outstanding matters,” said BASA.

1,000 Bank Branches by 2027

According to the DHA’s Strategic Plan for 2030, the department aims to expand Smart ID and passport services to 1,000 bank branches by the 2027/28 financial year.

The rollout will start with:

• 100 new branches in 2025/26

• 40 branches between October and December 2025

• 60 branches between January and March 2026

This is a huge leap from the current 30 branches offering the service.

Digital Expansion via Banking Apps

In addition to expanding physical access, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says the department is working toward a digital rollout. The goal? Letting South Africans access DHA services via banking apps, anytime, anywhere.

“Integrating Home Affairs services onto banking platforms in branches is the logical precursor to delivering those same services online and on apps,” Schreiber explained.

This digital expansion could also open doors for digital banks like TymeBank, Bank Zero, and Discovery Bank, although it’s not yet clear how banks without live capture facilities will be included.

Where You Can Apply Now

Until the expansion rolls out, South Africans can still apply for or renew Smart IDs and passports at selected bank branches. Here’s where:

South Africa’s efforts to digitise and decentralise Home Affairs services are well underway. Whether at a branch near you or via your banking app in the near future, applying for your Smart ID or passport is about to get faster and easier.

Stay tuned as the DHA finalises its new agreements — and get ready for a more connected future of civic services.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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